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Set Up a Peaceful Aquarium
An aquarium is a small ecosystem of animals and plants that must have the correct water chemistry, light, space and temperature, as well as harmonious companions, in order to survive. Angelfish are members of the Cichlid family. They are territorial and need the proper environment. Ordinarily peaceful, they can bully or intimidate other fish, including their own species. Do not put two angelfish in a tank. You should have just one or at least four because two or three may not get along. When you add other species to an aquarium containing angelfish, choose fish with similar environmental needs and compatible temperaments. Aquarium experts recommend many species that fit these requirements.
Dwarf Gouramis
Originating in India, gouramis are in the Anabantoid family. Dwarf Gouramis are somewhat nervous and desire lots of plant cover in the tank, as do angelfish. Males have a sky-blue background and several orange stripes across their body while the females are mostly silver-gray. Feelers on the pelvis of the gouramis help males find a mate by allowing them to detect pheromones females release in the water when they are about to spawn.
Silver Dollar Tetra
Silver Dollar fish are members of the Characoid family and are common in the Amazon region of South America. With a body shape somewhat like a coin, these fish have a shiny silver color. The anal fin is longer in males and has a red area at the front of it. These fish are very shy and need places to hide in the tank such as a small cave decoration. According to Live Aquaria, "rocks, plants, and driftwood help mirror its natural habitat and will help to reduce stress on the fish..."
Corydoras Catfish
If you choose to have Corydoras Catfish in your aquarium, include at least six because they swim in large schools in their native South America. They belong to the Callichthyidae family. There are many species of "corys" that come in various colors from vivid orange to black and white striped. All species of corydoras are very hardy and can live 15 to 20 years if kept in the correct environment. They provide many benefits to the aquarium ecosystem. Catfish are bottom feeders and help keep the tank clean by searching for food on the bottom with their whiskery barbels. Since they are often at the bottom of the aquarium, they leave space free for fish that swim in other areas.