Fish choices with clams in mind

[azbigjohn]

I realize all fish have their own personalities, habits and peculiarities...

That being said, I am restarting a 210 gallon, eventually mixed reef, that, hopefully, once fully established (think a year or longer) I would like to add a clam to.. (no, no specific thoughts on type yet.)

I am coming up with my occupant wish list; I do like LPS, so I am already having challenged from that, but I was wondering if there are any angels that are more likely to be successful with a clam? I would like to eventually have an angel, but realize the pickings are slim with my intended reef plan.

 

[GoVols]

I would like to eventually have an angel, but realize the pickings are slim with my intended reef plan.

I'd get a nice Female Bellus Angelfish, or a bonded pair of them.

 

[azbigjohn]

I'd get a nice Female Bellus Angelfish, or a bonded pair of them.

Thanks so much! Any particular reason for female (or bonded pair) versus male?

 

[GoVols]

Thanks so much! Any particular reason for female )or bonded pair) versus male?

To me, Female Bellus are more beautiful of a fish than the males.
If I'm going with one, then it's a Female.
JMO... :)

@Lovemyreef2015 and @DSC reef knows a ton about clams and might have more incite too.

 

[DSC reef]

With most large angel fish their will be a risk involved that it could take a liking to the clam. Even dwarf species can nip. It's hard to pinpoint though, we had a copperband butterfly that wouldn't go near our clams. With our new tank were going to try a regal angel but will also accept that the fish might have to be rehome. A female bellus angel would be a nice addition.

 

[Maritimer]

Any of the Genicanthus (bellus, lamarck, swallowtail, masked, watanabe) angelfish are going to be your best bet. @GoVols is correct about the female bellus; she's a gorgeous lady! The male is more of a smudgy brown-grey, with a few yellow highlights. I happen to like the Watanabe's angel a lot - females are sky blue with a dark crown outlined in electric, males more greyish above with crisp black striping on a white field below. Genicanthids have evolved for a more planktivorous lifestyle than other angels, and are less likely to nip at clams or corals.

~Bruce

 

[R4lph]

I introduced a small Lemark into my tank 2 months ago. It killed my large maxima and my blue squamosa. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to catch him. Angel 1 clams 0. I also have a female masked swallow tail. She’s a model citizen.

 

[Fishnut]

My two Regals and Emperor have not touched my maxima clam at all. The Regals have been tasting and killing off some soft corals though: zoas, green stars, & buttons . Surprisingly I haven’t seen my Emperor touch the clam or any corals.