Does Fish Nibbling Affect Polyp Extension?

[leaveittoreefer]

I have a red digitata that hasn't really extended since I introduced my flame angel into the tank about a year ago. It nibbles around the tank, sometimes on the surface of the corals but not enough to damage any of the tissues on my SPS corals and the corals continue to grow with no problems.

Would minimal nibbling (maybe once a day) affect the polyp extension for the entire coral? Water parameters are normal and below is a picture :

 

[Mattrg02]

Definitely can. Angels are know to bother the heck out of sps corals. Next time the polyps are our, tap it with something and see what it does.

We all want a flame angel. It’s either them or corals. Got to choose. :-(

 

[Reefer40b]

Sure does had a flameback angel, didnt really see him nip too often but took him out and now had massive pylop extension

 

[HB AL]

Absolutely, you really only have 2 choices get rid of the angel or just live with it.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

Yeah for sure. Dwarf and pygmy angels are hit and miss as for as if they will pick at corals. I had a pygmy Flameback angel and I got luck, it never messed with my sps or clams. Keep it well fed, it helps some.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

Yup. Had to yank my coral beauty I had for almost 3 years out. Amazing difference in polyps since pulled it.