Other Recommended Species
When choosing companions for Santa Isabel angelfish, peaceful mid-to-upper level swimmers like Dwarf Gouramis and select species of cichlids (such as keyholes or Bolivian rams) make excellent choices. These fish share a calm demeanor, vibrant colors, and similar water requirements, allowing for a harmonious community setup. As long as tank space and territories are respected, these species can thrive alongside angelfish without conflict.
Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)
A stunningly elegant gourami with a pearly, iridescent body and a lace-like pattern. Known for its calm demeanor and beauty, it is one of the most peaceful and hardy gouramis.
Tank Size:
Minimum 30 gallons
Life Expectancy:
5–7 years
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to medium hard water
Food:
Omnivorous – They will eat a variety of foods, including flake food, live or frozen brine shrimp, and vegetable matter.
Social Behavior:
Very peaceful and non-aggressive, making them ideal for community tanks with peaceful species like Santa Isabel Angelfish. They are naturally shy and prefer to be kept in schools.
Compatibility: Great tank mates for Santa Isabel Angelfish due to their peaceful nature.
Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna)
A gentle and sociable fish with a warm honey-gold coloration. Honey Gouramis are known for their peaceful demeanor and adaptability, making them excellent community fish.
Tank Size:
Minimum 20 gallons
Life Expectancy:
3–5 years
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to medium hard water
Food:
Omnivorous – They will accept high-quality flake food, live or frozen foods, and some plant material.
Social Behavior:
One of the most peaceful gouramis. They are social, enjoy living in groups, and are very calm, making them ideal for a tank with other peaceful species like Santa Isabel Angelfish.
Compatibility:
Safe with other peaceful species, including Santa Isabel Angelfish, but avoid aggressive tank mates.
Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius)
A beautifully colored, compact labyrinth fish known for its iridescent blue and red hues. Dwarf Gouramis are popular for their calm temperament and striking appearance.
Tank Size:
Minimum 20 gallons
Life Expectancy:
3–5 years
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to medium hard water
Food:
Omnivorous – Prefers a varied diet of flake foods, frozen or live foods like bloodworms, and occasional plant matter.
Social Behavior:
Peaceful, but males can be territorial with other males, so it’s recommended to keep just one male per tank. They are good for the middle to upper levels of the aquarium.
Compatibility:
Ideal for peaceful community tanks, including those with Santa Isabel Angelfish.
German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)
A small, brilliantly colored cichlid with electric blues and golden hues. Known for its peaceful nature and striking appearance, the Blue Ram adds vibrant personality to a community tank.
Tank Size:
Minimum 20 gallons
Life Expectancy:
2–4 years
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 78–85°F (26–29°C)
pH: 5.5–7.0
Hardness: Soft water preferred
Food:
Omnivorous – Enjoys a variety of flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen/live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Social Behavior:
Very peaceful, especially when not breeding. Males may establish small territories.
Compatibility:
Excellent companion for Santa Isabel Angelfish in soft, warm water tanks with minimal aggression.
Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus)
A calm, earth-toned cousin of the Blue Ram, with longer fins and a peaceful demeanor. Ideal for aquarists seeking a hardy and friendly cichlid for community tanks.
Tank Size:
Minimum 20–30 gallons
Life Expectancy:
4–6 years
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 74–78°F (23–26°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to medium
Food:
Omnivorous – Will eat flakes, sinking pellets, and frozen/live foods like daphnia or bloodworms.
Social Behavior:
Peaceful and slow-moving. May show light territorial behavior during breeding.
Compatibility:
A gentle tank mate for Santa Isabel Angelfish that thrives in similar water conditions.
Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher – Electric Blue Morph)
A stunning, iridescent blue cichlid that stands out for its color and calm personality. The Electric Blue Acara is larger but surprisingly peaceful for its size and makes a great centerpiece in community tanks.
Tank Size:
Minimum 40 gallons
Life Expectancy:
8–10 years
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to medium hard
Food:
Omnivorous – Will readily eat high-quality pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods like krill, worms, and insect larvae.
Social Behavior:
Generally peaceful for a medium-sized cichlid. May become mildly territorial during spawning.
Compatibility:
Can live harmoniously with Santa Isabel Angelfish in a spacious, well-decorated tank with defined territories.