Angelfish and discus are two of the most popular and beautiful freshwater fish kept by aquarium hobbyists. With their vibrant colors, elegant fins and striking appearances, it’s no wonder why many want to combine these two species in a single tank.
But can discus live with angelfish? Or will they fight and become aggressive tankmates? In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore whether can discus live with angelfish? or can discus live in a community tank?. We’ll find out what kind of fish can discus live with, compare their care needs, temperaments, tank requirements and more to determine if they make suitable discus tank mates.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to house angelfish with discus successfully. Let’s dive in!
To understand whether two fish species can live together, it helps to first look at their natural environments and origins.
Angelfish are native to the Amazon River basin in South America. They inhabit slow-moving streams, smaller tributaries and flooded forests. Angelfish spend time near submerged branches and vegetation.
Discus also originate from the Amazon region. They prefer very warm, acidic and soft waters. Discus primarily live in pools and calmer areas away from fast currents. They shelter near submerged driftwood and roots.
As you can see, angelfish and discus come from similar tropical environments in South America. Both species frequent warmer, gently flowing waters that are acidic and soft in nature. This is a good indication they may thrive under similar aquarium conditions.
Let’s take a closer look at the comparison table of water parameter of angelfish with discus:
WATER PARAMETER | ANGELFISH | DISCUS |
Temperature | 76-84°F (24-29°C) | 82-90°F (28-32°C) |
pH | 6.5-7.5 | 5.5-7.0 |
Hardness | 4-20 dGH | 1-8 dGH |
There is some overlap in the ideal water parameters for angelfish and discus. Both prefer soft, acidic water on the warmer side. Discus do need slightly warmer temperatures and a lower pH than angelfish.
With some compromising, the water can be maintained at levels suitable for both fish. Aim for a temperature around 82-84°F and a pH between 6.0-6.5 to accommodate the needs of angelfish and discus living together.
Tank size is another important factor when mixing fish species. Overcrowding causes stress, aggression and poor water conditions. So what size tank do you need for angelfish and discus?
Angelfish require a minimum of a 20 gallon tank. A 29-55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group or pair. Discus, on the other hand, need much larger tanks. Aim for at least 40 gallons for a single discus. For a small school, provide 75-90+ gallons.
To comfortably house angelfish with discus, a tank size of at least 55 gallons is recommended. A 75-90 gallon tank is ideal to provide ample swimming space and territory for both species. The bigger the tank, the better for reducing territorial disputes.
Now let’s examine the temperaments and behaviors of angelfish and discus fish:
TRAITS | ANGELFISH | DISCUS |
Aggression Level | Semi-Aggressive | Peaceful |
Territorial | Yes | No |
Activity Level | Moderately Active | Sedentary |
Schooling Behavior | No | Yes |
Angelfish are described as semi-aggressive fish that are territorial, especially when spawning. They have a moderate activity level and don’t school.
On the flip side, discus are very peaceful, calm fish that like to stay in groups and school together. They are not aggressive or territorial towards other fish.
The temperamental differences between angelfish and discus are fairly pronounced. Angelfish are much more likely to bully docile discus, especially if space is limited.
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Although their temperaments differ, angelfish and discus can potentially coexist in the same tank. It requires extra planning and steps to reduce aggression. Here are some tips:
By following these guidelines, you can mitigate potential issues between angelfish and discus tankmates. Combine this with proper tank maintenance, and they can live happily together.
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Part of cultivating a thriving community tank is choosing suitable angelfish and discus tank mates. Some fish get along better with angelfish and discus than others.
Also Read: 15 Best Angelfish Tank Mates..
Stick to smaller, community-friendly species that share water preferences for best results. Never mix angelfish or discus with intimidating tankmates.
Catering to the nutritional needs of multiple fish species is important. Both angelfish and discus are omnivores that accept a varied diet.
Feed them 2-3 times daily a mixture of:
With patience, you can ensure both discus and angelfish receive proper nutrition in a shared habitat. Catering to their individual feeding behaviors reduces competition.
While some advanced aquarists breed angelfish and discus species together, it can be quite difficult to achieve in a community setting. Angelfish and discus have different optimal parameters for spawning. Discus prefer warmer, acidic water in the low 80s F. Angelfish breed in slightly cooler, more alkaline water around 75-79°F.
The requirements don’t overlap enough for both to breed simultaneously in a shared tank. One species would suffer suboptimal conditions. Additionally, angelfish turn very aggressive while spawning. They are likely to terrorize discus in a breeding frenzy. Discus also need pristine parameters when raising fry that cannot be guaranteed in a mixed community.
For these reasons, it’s not advisable for beginners to attempt breeding angelfish and discus together. Advanced aquarists may try with extra tanks for isolating pairs and fry when needed. Realistically, breeding should be done in separate species-only tanks to increase success rates and offspring survival. Don’t attempt breeding in a community setting until you have experience.
If you want to combine angelfish with discus, daily care and tank maintenance become extremely important for their health and wellbeing:
With close monitoring and ideal habitat conditions, discus and angelfish have a chance at successfully cohabitating long-term.
Even in optimal tank environments, issues between angelfish and discus can pop up. Here are some common problems and solution to them:
PROBLEM | SOLUTION |
Angelfish bullying or nipping discus | Rearrange decor to break lines of sight. Add more plants, caves and hiding spots for discus to retreat. |
Aggression during feeding time | Use feeding rings to isolate each fish when eating. Feed angelfish first. |
Discus appear stressed with clamped fins | Improve water conditions and temperature. Add more plants and territories. Consider removing the angelfish. |
Disease outbreak in tank | Quarantine sick fish immediately. Improve tank maintenance. Treat fish with appropriate medications. |
Discus not eating well | Target feed discus away from angelfish. Focus on offering live, frozen and pelleted foods. |
Spawning behavior and increased aggression | Temporary separate discus and angelfish until breeding subsides. |
Don’t hesitate to make adjustments, move fish to hospital tanks or remove aggressive species if issues arise. Act quickly at the first signs of trouble.
It’s unlikely angelfish will directly kill discus in most cases. However, angelfish may intimidate, bully or nip at discus, especially during feeding time or if breeding. Discus are quite docile and can become stressed to the point of illness or death when harassed by aggressive tankmates like angelfish. Providing plenty of space, line of sight breaks, and hiding spots can help reduce aggression.
No, keeping just one discus is not recommended. Discus are social fish that prefer to live in groups of 5 or more of their own kind. A single discus will become stressed in isolation which leads to poor health and immunity. They require the security of a group to thrive.
Good tankmates for discus include small tetras, rasboras, cory catfish, dwarf gouramis, small plecos, and other peaceful community fish that share the same water parameters. Avoid housing discus with large or aggressive species that may bully or nip their fins.
Yes, angelfish and discus occupy similar habitats in the Amazon region of South America. Wild discus tend to favor slightly warmer, softer and more acidic waters than angelfish. But they coexist in the flooded forests and tributaries of the Amazon basin.
Discus can be kept in a peaceful community tank with appropriate tankmates, provided their specific needs are met. The aquarium must be large (75+ gallons), warm (82-86°F), have pristine water quality, and include calm fish with comparable care requirements. Strict maintenance routines must be followed as well in a community discus tank.
A good stocking for a 75 gallon tank would be either:
1 Angelfish Pair + 5 Discus OR
3 Angelfish + 5 Discus This allows for adequate territory and swimming space to reduce aggression between the two cichlid species.
Feed a varied, protein-rich diet of high quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, along with occasional live foods. Soak dry foods before feeding. Take care to feed both species separately if needed to prevent the angelfish from hogging the food supply. Both have slightly different nutritional needs as omnivores. Variety is key.
Can discus live with angelfish? The answer is yes – with caution. These two beautiful species can coexist peacefully in a home aquarium. However, there are challenges due to their differing temperaments and care needs.
Providing a spacious tank with plenty of territory, combined with careful monitoring and maintenance, will give angelfish and discus the best chance. Select tank mates wisely, feed correctly and respond promptly to any emerging problems between the two fish.
While not ideal for beginners, mixing angelfish and discus can result in a dazzling showcase tank in the hands of an experienced aquarist. If you’re up for the challenge, go for it! But be prepared for the extra diligence required to help these two fish thrive side-by-side long term.
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