Angelfish and Otocinclus Compatibility Overview
Angelfish and Otocinclus are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Angelfish | Otocinclus | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74โ84ยฐF | 72โ82ยฐF | โ 74โ82ยฐF |
| pH Range | 6.0โ7.5 | 6.0โ7.5 | โ 6.0โ7.5 |
| Temperament | semi | peaceful | โ ๏ธ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 6 in | 1.5 in | โ 4ร difference |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 4+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 75 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Angelfish โ Pterophyllum scalare
Elegant South American cichlids with long flowing fins. Generally peaceful but territorial when breeding and will eat very small fish.
Otocinclus โ Otocinclus spp.
Tiny algae-eating catfish that are peaceful with all species. Need established algae growth and biofilm; sensitive to ammonia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Angelfish live with Otocinclus?
Generally not recommended. Angelfish and Otocinclus are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Angelfish and Otocinclus together?
A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for keeping Angelfish and Otocinclus together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Angelfish and Otocinclus?
74โ82ยฐF โ inside Angelfish's 74โ84ยฐF and Otocinclus's 72โ82ยฐF.
Is a Angelfish aggressive toward a Otocinclus?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Angelfish and Otocinclus
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 75 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 125 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 150 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |