can discus live with angelfish?

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Lumpo
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:07 pm

can discus live with angelfish?

Post by Lumpo »

I've got a 75 gallon tank with six Discus and was thinking of adding a pair of Angelfish. Heard mixed things about compatibility. Anyone got experience keeping them together? My tank's at 84°F, pH 6.8, with sand substrate and driftwood. Running a Fluval FX6, weekly 50% water changes. Discus are about 4 inches, been in there for six months.
Halse
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed May 04, 2022 2:58 am

Re: can discus live with angelfish?

Post by Halse »

Yep, they can live together if conditions are right. I've kept Discus and Angelfish in a 90 gallon for two years now. Key is matching the water params, especially temp and pH. My Angels are chill with the Discus, but I'd avoid adding small Angels, they might get bullied. Also, make sure your tank's got enough hiding spots with plants or tall decor.
Olive
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Joined: Wed Jun 07, 2023 9:12 pm

Re: can discus live with angelfish?

Post by Olive »

It depends on the temperament of your fish. Angelfish can be territorial, especially during breeding. I'd monitor closely for the first few weeks. My setup is similar to yours, 80 gallons, soft water, and lots of Java fern. The Discus and Angelfish ignore each other now, but I had to remove one aggressive Angel early on.
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Jurn
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Re: can discus live with angelfish?

Post by Jurn »

Sounds sketchy to me. Angels are kinda jerks sometimes, and Discus are too fancy to mess with. My buddy tried it, and his Angels nipped the Discus' fins. Tank was big enough, but the vibe was off. Maybe if you get super young Angels? Dunno, man.
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Corona
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Re: can discus live with angelfish?

Post by Corona »

Jurn wrote: Sun Apr 20, 2025 1:59 pm Sounds sketchy to me. Angels are kinda jerks sometimes, and Discus are too fancy to mess with. My buddy tried it, and his Angels nipped the Discus' fins. Tank was big enough, but the vibe was off. Maybe if you get super young Angels? Dunno, man.
Yeah, Angels can be hit or miss. I've seen it work in a heavily planted 100 gallon, but the owner had to rearrange decor often to break up territories. If you're gonna try, start with one Angel and see how it goes.
Lumpo
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:07 pm

Re: can discus live with angelfish?

Post by Lumpo »

Thanks for the input, everyone. I'll probably hold off for now and maybe try a single Angel later. Don't wanna stress my Discus out.
Halse
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed May 04, 2022 2:58 am

Re: can discus live with angelfish?

Post by Halse »

Smart move. If you do decide to add one later, keep an eye on feeding time. Discus are slow eaters, and Angels can hog the food. I feed mine in different corners of the tank to avoid competition.
Olive
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jun 07, 2023 9:12 pm

Re: can discus live with angelfish?

Post by Olive »

Halse wrote: Sun Apr 20, 2025 11:17 am Yep, they can live together if conditions are right. I've kept Discus and Angelfish in a 90 gallon for two years now. Key is matching the water params, especially temp and pH. My Angels are chill with the Discus, but I'd avoid adding small Angels, they might get bullied. Also, make sure your tank's got enough hiding spots with plants or tall decor.
Agreed on the hiding spots. My Discus took a while to adjust, but now they're fine. Just gotta be patient and ready to intervene if things go south.
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