Fish to Avoid

Santa Isabel angelfish are predatory by nature and will opportunistically eat anything small enough to fit in their mouths — especially if it swims in midwater or hangs out near their territory. Even peaceful angelfish may see very small tank mates as live food, especially over time as they grow larger. It is recommended to not house any fish smaller than 2 in with Santa Isabel Angelfish.

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Examples to Avoid:

• White Cloud Mountain Minnows: These delicate, peaceful fish typically max out at around 1.5 inches, making them easy prey for full-grown angelfish.

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• Ember Tetras: At barely an inch long, ember tetras are particularly vulnerable. Their bright color and small size make them stand out — not in a good way — to angelfish.

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• Cherry Shrimp and Other Dwarf Shrimp: Shrimp are often treated as live snacks. Even in heavily planted tanks, they struggle to hide once the angelfish learn they’re edible.

While Santa Isabel angelfish are generally peaceful, they can become territorial, especially during breeding. Aggressive fish can provoke conflict, causing stress, aggression, or even physical harm. Tank mates should have a similar temperament to avoid unnecessary fights.

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Examples to Avoid:

• Jack Dempsey Cichlids: These cichlids are known for being aggressive and territorial. Their size and temperament make them a poor match for the more peaceful nature of angelfish, especially in a community tank.

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• Oscar Fish: Oscars are large, boisterous, and aggressive, often overwhelming other tank mates. Their size and assertive nature could stress or even harm an angelfish.

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• Red Devil Cichlid: This species is highly territorial and aggressive, often bullying other fish in the tank, including angelfish.

Angelfish have long, flowing fins that make them particularly susceptible to fin-nipping behavior. Fish that are fin-nippers can cause permanent damage, stress, and injury to the angelfish, affecting their overall health.

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Examples to Avoid:

• Tiger Barbs: These fish are notorious for their fin-nipping behavior. When kept in schools, tiger barbs can target the long, delicate fins of angelfish, causing irritation and stress.

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• Rainbowfish (some species): While most rainbowfish are peaceful, certain species (like the boesemani rainbowfish) can become fin nippers, especially if they are kept in a crowded tank. Their active nature may lead them to nip at the angelfish's fins.

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• Red-Finned Sharks (Rainbow Sharks): Despite their name, these fish are actually a type of barb. Rainbow sharks are territorial and can become aggressive toward other fish, particularly those with long, flowing fins. They might nip at angelfish’s fins, causing damage and stress.

Angelfish have long, elegant fins, which makes them prone to being nipped by other species. Fish with long fins are often targets for territorial or aggressive fish that may see them as a challenge. It's best to avoid species with similar fin structures to reduce the risk of injury.

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Examples to Avoid:

• Betta Fish (especially males): Male Betta fish are highly territorial and aggressive. They can become aggressive toward angelfish, especially if there’s a competition for space or the angelfish’s long fins are seen as a threat.

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• Fancy Guppies: Guppies with long, beautiful tails may look delicate and are often a target for other fish with a tendency to nip at fins, including angelfish.

Santa Isabel angelfish are tropical and require consistently warm water (typically 78–82°F / 25–28°C). Coldwater species cannot tolerate these temperatures and will become stressed or sick if housed in a tropical tank.

Examples to Avoid:

• Goldfish (all types): Fancy or common, goldfish are coldwater fish. They also produce a large bioload and may nip fins or outcompete angelfish for food.

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• White Cloud Mountain Minnows: Already listed under “Small Fish,” these are also coldwater species that won’t thrive in angelfish-level temperatures.

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• Dojo Loaches (Weather Loaches): These fish prefer cooler water and are highly active, which can stress tropical tank mates.