Angelfish and Sumatran Barb: can they live together?

Verdict:not recommended

  • Behaviour: not recommended
  • Water: ranges overlap

Why

The Sumatran barb nips long fins, and the angelfish has exactly such fins. This neighbour is dangerous for the angelfish, so keeping these two fish together in one tank is not recommended.

Water and size

Water and size
ParameterAngelfishSumatran BarbShared range
Temperature24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F)20 – 26 °C (68 – 79 °F)
24 – 26 °C (75 – 79 °F) ranges overlap
Water pH6 – 76 – 8
6 – 7 ranges overlap
Water dH5 – 105 – 20
5 – 10 ranges overlap
Size in aquarium15 cm (5.9 in)7 cm (2.8 in)
Required aquarium volumefrom 200 L (53 gal)from 60 L (16 gal)
KeepingSchooling (usually from 5–6 individuals and more)Schooling (usually from 5–6 individuals and more)
TemperamentSemi-peaceful (dangerous to smaller ones)Peaceful, but may bite fins
Swimming levelmiddle levelmiddle level

This is a general estimate: fish of the same species differ in character. Tank volume is given for each species separately — two species together need at least the larger of the two, and usually more.

Other pairs with these fish