Flame Angelfish

[jtf74]

I am working on getting a 125 gallon reef tank, but I was told that flame angels will eat the coral. I decided to stay away from it even though it is my favorite fish. Since I really want one, would it be possible to keep it by itself in a 20 gallon I have set up. Or does it need bigger? I was referred here from r/reeftank on reddit with this question

My flame never bothers any corals but is semi aggressive to other fish. 20 would due for a small one but ultimately you will need to upsize. I have zoas paly xenia softies frogspawn hammer few acros btas.

 

[Floyd-]

My flame angel is fine in my LPS and softie tank. 150 gallon display.

 

[Bitcoin Reefer]

You’re posting on a thread from 2019. I think they’ve got it worked out by now. ;)

But others who are thinking about getting flame angel are still reading the replies :) I’m thinking about trying one :)

 

[Natural_Reefer]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!
Have one in my 100gal and haven't seen him bother any corals but definitely a bit aggressive toward other fishes.
One of the most colorful fish in my tank.

 

[vetteguy53081]

But others who are thinking about getting flame angel are still reading the replies :) I’m thinking about trying one :)

Good fish. Great appetite, color and disposition.

 

[Bitcoin Reefer]

Good fish. Great appetite, color and disposition.

I almost bought one from LFS today for $120, but figured I should do more research, and maybe get flame hawkfish instead if I decide the angel is too risky for my corals. Glad to hear more feedback though! What % of them do you think are coral disturbers if you have any idea? Less than 50%?

 

[G Santana]

I have a beautiful flame angel, it doesn't bother anything. Lucky I am.

 

[jajasonson]

Bought one the other day for $45. 90 gallon mixed reef. Great fish so far!

 

[OrionN]

To answer your original question, 20 gal is too small for a Flame Angel

I do keep a harem of 5 in my 320 and pair in my 65 without much problem. Keep them well fed and tolerate a little picking is all you need. Mine never kill any of my coral but they may keep PE if SPS a little less. But like you I love them.

 

[crazyfishmom]

Mine is a model citizen in a mixed reef tank.

 

[coreytrv]

I’m afraid not. They swim a lot and are grazers.

I have a coral beauty in a 5’ 110 gallon tank and it covers it all fast.

I would recommend a minimum 4’ tank.

I would also recommend you go for it and put it in your display!

I like that you put a length measurement on this. So many tanks and sizes, gallons are not always the same. I have a large, tall tank, that's 4', wide x 6' tall, so this info helped me!