Compatibility brief
Can African freshwater butterflyfish live with Angelfish?
Caution. Check the issues below before buying.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: medium
How we decideFishori checks adult size and predation risk, behaviour, water requirements and tank needs before giving a verdict.
150L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 150L (larger active fish often want more length).
African freshwater butterflyfish is a fin nipper and Angelfish is vulnerable to nipping — long fins are a common target even when water parameters match.
Assessment details
Temperament difference
Top issueAngelfish is semi-aggressive, while African freshwater butterflyfish is peaceful. Expect chasing or stress unless the tank is large and heavily structured — monitor closely.
Fin nipping risk
African freshwater butterflyfish is a known fin nipper and Angelfish has long, flowing fins. African freshwater butterflyfish will likely harass Angelfish.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
“Angelfish is semi-aggressive, while African freshwater…”
Temperament difference
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so African freshwater butterflyfish can escape if harassed.
- •Avoid keeping African freshwater butterflyfish with long-finned fish like Angelfish.
- Seriously Fish. Pantodon buchholzi
Supports: aquarium size, water chemistry, temperament and compatibility (primary care reference).
- FishBase. Pantodon buchholzi
Supports: taxonomy and wild maximum size — translate to tank stocking, not a target number.
- Wikipedia. Pantodon buchholzi
Supports: general species background and common-name orientation only.
- Seriously Fish. Pterophyllum scalare
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Pterophyllum scalare
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Pterophyllum scalare
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with African freshwater butterflyfish + Angelfish
Plan further
Check each species’ mates list, size the glass, then verify the full stock in the builder. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.
Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.
Profile data confidence: high. Checked against several solid care sources that mostly agree.