Cherub and Flameback Anglefish Compatibility

Jaag · Mar 2, 2023

Hey everyone. Would a flamback and cherub angle be compatible in a 50 gallon?

Rene2br · Mar 2, 2023

Dwarf angels don't play well. Meaning there will be aggression and depending on how server, it does sometime lead to mortalities. Angels of all species are my favorite tropical marine fish so I've tried many iterations.

My advice would be to add them together or add the smaller animal before the larger one, weeks apart.

Aggression, like with most new additions, does subside after a few weeks but with angels it never goes away completely. The dominate fish will tolerate the other animal after awhile and only light aggression will persist.

3 angels in a tank is better then 2 but I've successfully kept two in a 75 gal for many many years. Your species are small even for dwarfs so if you really like them, I think it is worth a shot.

Jaag · Mar 2, 2023

I appreciate the advice. The cherub is already in there and he is pretty small which sounds good if the flameback comes in slightly bigger. I think I may give it a shot then if you think it worth it with your experience.

PicassoClown04 · Mar 2, 2023

IME, don’t do it. I have a 45 gallon and my Flameback has killed 3 cherubs. If you want to mix dwarfs pick 2 that don’t look alike (Flameback + flame) for example. The cherub and Flameback look too similar which causes territorial issues. It is possible to mix dwarfs, just try to pick two that they can’t confuse for their own species!

Jaag · Mar 2, 2023

footgal said:
IME, don’t do it. I have a 45 gallon and my Flameback has killed 3 cherubs. If you want to mix dwarfs pick 2 that don’t look alike (Flameback + flame) for example. The cherub and Flameback look too similar which causes territorial issues. It is possible to mix dwarfs, just try to pick two that they can’t confuse for their own species!

I am not opposed to a flame angle but what are your feelings on flames with coral?

Cheese Griller · Mar 3, 2023

Jaag said:
I am not opposed to a flame angle but what are your feelings on flames with coral?

IMO, in a 50 gallon two dwarf angels is definitely going to be pushing it. I have a 40 gallon with a flameback, and she definitely rules the roost. I couldn't imagine having another angel in there. Especially since pygmys are very rambunctious, despite their small size.

zoomonster · Mar 3, 2023

If you look at compatibility listings for Flame Angels most list them as reef/coral safe and peaceful while the majority of others are not. I have a 200g mixed reef with flame, african flameback, bi color, multicolor. I've also had orange peel, potters, golden and coral beauty. CB was the only problem one who attacked everyone. Thankfully it eventually went to the great aquarium in the sky lol Yeah they might disturb coral but never seen damage from them. Now I have had problems in the past on introduction but usually ok if not the only fish added at the time and added at night. Just hit or miss on compatibility. I'll add another Potters if and when I find a decent one at a less than ridiculous price. I've always kept dwarf/pygmy angels and wouldn't be my tank w/o them.

vetteguy53081 · Mar 3, 2023

Jaag said:
I am not opposed to a flame angle but what are your feelings on flames with coral?

My flame never did and couldnt care less about coral but bear in mind every fish has their own personality and behavior.
On subject of mixing dwarfs- a pure gamble but I do have flame-coral beauty- potters in the same tank with no issues but did start with flame and coral beauty squabbling up front

Jaag · Mar 21, 2023

vetteguy53081 said:
My flame never did and couldnt care less about coral but bear in mind every fish has their own personality and behavior.
On subject of mixing dwarfs- a pure gamble but I do have flame-coral beauty- potters in the same tank with no issues but did start with flame and coral beauty squabbling up front

What size tank is it?