Skip to main content
Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Angelfish live with Molly?

Angelfish

Angelfish

Pterophyllum scalare

semi-aggressive~20cm
Molly

Molly

Poecilia sphenops

peaceful~10cm
VerdictCAUTION

Caution. Check the issues below before buying.

Angelfish + Molly: Caution advised. Angels want softer Amazon-leaning water; mollies want hard alkaline. You can force a mid-range pH, but one species pays. Adult angels may also harass slower fancy mollies. Prefer separate chemistry goals over a compromise tank.

Compatibility score

60/100

Profile confidence: medium

Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.

Min tank

150L

Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 150L (larger active fish often want more length).

Temperature
Range in °C24–30°C shared
AngelfishMollyShared window
pH
Range7.5–7.5 shared
AngelfishMollyShared window
Temperament / behaviour

Temperament gap (semi-aggressive vs peaceful) — can work with space, structure, and careful observation, but not a “drop and forget” mix.

Assessment details

  1. Caution advised

    Top issue

    Angels want softer Amazon-leaning water; mollies want hard alkaline. You can force a mid-range pH, but one species pays. Adult angels may also harass slower fancy mollies. Prefer separate chemistry goals over a compromise tank.

  2. Temperament difference

    Angelfish is semi-aggressive, while Molly is peaceful. This can work with adequate space and hiding spots, but monitor for bullying.

  3. Compatible temperature range

    Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.

  4. Narrow pH overlap

    These fish can share water but their ideal pH ranges overlap only slightly. Aim to keep pH stable in the shared range.

“Angels want softer Amazon-leaning water; mollies want hard…”

Caution advised

Next steps

Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.

  • •Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Molly can escape if harassed.

Try instead

  • →Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Molly can escape if harassed.
Sources from both profiles
Only URLs that exist on the species records are shown. We do not fabricate citations.
  • 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.

  • Seriously Fish. Poecilia sphenops

    Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).

  • FishBase. Poecilia sphenops

    Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.

  • Wikipedia. Poecilia sphenops

    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 Angelfish + Molly

Compare another pairOpen tank builder

Plan further

Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. 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.

Full tank-mate guides

Related pair checks

Other tank mates for Angelfish

Angelfish + Molly — common questions

Can Angelfish live with Molly?
Angelfish + Molly: Caution advised. Angels want softer Amazon-leaning water; mollies want hard alkaline. You can force a mid-range pH, but one species pays. Adult angels may also harass slower fancy mollies. Prefer separate chemistry goals over a compromise tank.
What tank size do you need for Angelfish and Molly together?
For this pair Fishori recommends a minimum of around 150 litres, derived from each species' published minimum and group needs.
What's the main risk?
Angels want softer Amazon-leaning water; mollies want hard alkaline. You can force a mid-range pH, but one species pays. Adult angels may also harass slower fancy mollies. Prefer separate chemistry goals over a compromise tank.
What else should I check?
Angelfish is semi-aggressive, while Molly is peaceful. This can work with adequate space and hiding spots, but monitor for bullying.