Can an angelfish be kept with cichlids?

Question

Small cichlids? In a 55 gallon? I'm looking to do something different with my tank, but I can't get rid of my favorite angelfish. She's albino and I love her. She likes to watch me do things, like vacuum.

Help?

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Angels and african cichlids have different water parameter requirement and cannot be kept together. You might want to consider setting up a south american cichlid tank instead, that way you don't have to get rid of her.

Answer 2

Angelfish are cichlids, but generally should only be kept with similar cichlids or peaceful fish, so I'd recommend some more angels.  Discus are one choice.

Blue rams would be a good choice, and are small.  Below is a site for pics and profiles of other dwarf cichlids.

Kribensis, although African, are also beautiful fish that would do well, and many people think they are SA cichlids.

Blue rams would be a good choice, and are small.

Although not cichlids, the following would do good with your angel:

A pair of blue gularis killifish, up to 6", would be beautiful in your tank, especially with an albino angel for contrast.

Many of the gouramis would make a colorful tank.

Answer 3

NO!

Answer 4

Like the other person said, most cases, you can't and it's not really a good idea to intermix South Americans with Africans.  The aggression levels and water needs are almost opposites.

I also agree with the idea if you want to add more South Americans this should be fine.  An Angelfish, while it can be nasty from time to time, is more of an upper level fish in your tank and moves rather slow.  If you were to say add in some Bolivan Rams which would occupy the lower levels of the tank mostly, this should work out well for you with that footprint you have in a 55.  If Rams do not appeal to you, take a look at Aquedins Pulcher, Blue Acara.  These get a decent size around 8 inches at full grown, and have a very mild temperment.  If Angels decided to get aggressive, this species would be able to tolerate that fairly well.