Mulling More Angels

ca1ore · Dec 21, 2017

Thinking about adding a few more Angels ...... but which ones? Currently have a 6" Red Sea regal and four dwarfs (LemonPeel, flame, posters and Eibli). I've always had an Asfur in my big tanks, though my last one ate most of my zoos. Thinking perhaps swallowtail pair ......

Any clever thoughts?

S-t-r-e-t-c-h · Dec 21, 2017

Any of the larger genus angels are more likely to go after zoanthids and LPS but each individual is unique in that way. The swallowtails (or any Genicanthus, really) are probably the safest bet for reef tanks. What's your tolerance for catching fish out of your display?

One of my favorite fish pets was a Chaetodontoplus meridithi that was a model citizen, but that was certainly a lucky draw. My dream tank, when I eventually start one, will probably be based around an eventual A. arcuatus because I'm an idiot.

If you do wind up with a Pomacanthus, Apolmichthys or Chaetodontoplus angel, start small. Juveniles are much less likely to have developed a taste for cnidarians. I don't have anything to back this up, but I imagine that the tank bred angels that are coming available now are going to be the best options for reef tanks, as they'd have never observed a fish eating corals ever (at least that's my hypothesis :) ).

I'd generally stay away from any of the Holocanthus angels. Maybe my own experience, but I've found them to be the worst offenders. If memory serves, I think french angels are one of the only fish that will eat Sarcophyton leathers...

Maritimer · Dec 21, 2017

Angels are a pretty important part of my reef as well ... currently have a flame (that color is unmatched!) and a coral beauty (perpetual-motion-machine) in my tank, and they behave themselves pretty well. With fingers crossed, should be adding an Indonesian regal to my display for Christmas.

I'm partial to scribbled angels, but not going to go there in my little 220 - might try a watanabe pair. The Genicanthus (choose your favorite!) offer that cool dimorphism, and interesting finnage and patterns, but not much color - and they're probably just a bit smaller than your tang gang. Are you looking for more medium-sized fish, or are you looking to put an impressive focal point in your tank? I've seen a few reefs with emperors in 'em, and you could probably pull that off . . .

~Bruce, with fish ranging in size from azure damsels to quoy's parrotfish, and in shape from a regal angel to a zebra-bar dartgoby ... and only one tang

ca1ore · Dec 21, 2017

Thanks chaps (in my post should have said potters ..... not posters). I've actually never kept any of the big Angels other than Asfur and Regal. An emperor would be very cool.