So i want a flame angel?

[Nor'easter Reefer]

So, I feel like "to flame angel or not to flame angel" is a fairly common struggle. Basically the questions asked, and you get these typical responses.

A) I have never had an issue
B) It's a case by case situation, you decide if its worth the risk
C) Mine nips, but its worth it
D) Just keep it fed and you'll be fine
E) No, never, coral nipping isn't if, its when.

I feel like "is a flame angel reef safe" is a definite "maybe", but I'm curious what the average consensus on if its "worth it" is! Mostly because I been chewing this one over for quite awhile and i'm nearing my final fish load so its about time to add that last aggressive fish if im going to.

 

[reely989]

Like you said you’re going to get responses all over the board. Depends on the fish. I’ve had three and never had an issue. I’d say in terms of coral eating risk I’d call them pretty low risk.

 

[Should I]

So I had a lemon peel was more aggressive than my powder blue tang to new coming fish the other day I read that flame angels are 1 of the most aggressive dwarf angels (i have never owned 1 though so I'm just going by here say)

 

[CHSUB]

Have had 3…no issues but all do nip but never noticed damage.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

Like you said you’re going to get responses all over the board. Depends on the fish. I’ve had three and never had an issue. I’d say in terms of coral eating risk I’d call them pretty low risk.

Im wondering if its something like soda! Everyone can say soda isn't a healthy beverage choice, but once you get down to brass tacks, you realize many of us still have an iced cold soda occasionally. Just because we all say they arent necessarily reef safe, doesnt mean that a large percent of those people dont also keep some in a reef tank! Or maybe they do! Im curious what the forum does!

 

[OrionN]

I always have Harem of Flame Angels in my reef. I feed them a lot and rarely have problems with unacceptable nipping. Right now however I have one female that bothered my clams and I have to move the clams to a different system to protect them.

 

[kevgib67]

Hey Mike, I don’t know if you remember me but I had one decades ago and man do the colors pop, I can see why you are considering one. I don’t recall any problems like the vivid nightmare of a maroon clown and a orange tail damsel. But to be clear I only had a few lps and the rest were softies. I have a feeling that you have already made up your mind and are looking for some confirmation. Can’t wait to see your new flame angel in your tank!

 

[skey44]

Dwarf angels have always eventually nipped for me. Even if you don’t catch them in the act you will notice polyp retraction. Lots of corals will live and still grow but the PE will be less. Just my experience with dwarf angels in general including flame angels.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

Hey Mike, I don’t know if you remember me but I had one decades ago and man do the colors pop, I can see why you are considering one. I don’t recall any problems like the vivid nightmare of a maroon clown and a orange tail damsel. But to be clear I only had a few lps and the rest were softies. I have a feeling that you have already made up your mind and are looking for some confirmation. Can’t wait to see your new flame angel in your tank!

Oh hey man! How you been? Been a long time! I've had my eye on them every LFS visit for about a year now haha. The struggle is real though as im predominantly a coral person, the fish are pretty, entertaining coral feeders, but theres a couple that really draw my eye and this is one of them!

 

[JayM]

I've got a Lemonpeel and a Flame. Neither of them bother any corals.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

Bump! Question isnt if you can, but whether you would!

 

[rtparty]

I had one in my 250 and ordered another for my new system. You have to accept that they will nip corals. If they don’t, total bonus. My last flame never nipped at anything but I always expected it would at some point. That way if it does nip, no harm. I knew the risk

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

I had one in my 250 and ordered another for my new system. You have to accept that they will nip corals. If they don’t, total bonus. My last flame never nipped at anything but I always expected it would at some point. That way if it does nip, no harm. I knew the risk

I wonder, what the odds of actual nipping that causes severe damage would be? Or do people generally avoid these fish to avoid irritation level nipping? I assume most healthy livestock won't be killed by a nip here or there

 

[CBonito]

I wonder, what the odds of actual nipping that causes severe damage would be? Or do people generally avoid these fish to avoid irritation level nipping? I assume most healthy livestock won't be killed by a nip here or there

I'm not willing to risk it. I would love to have a flame angel because they are pretty, but not if there is any possibility of nipping corals or aggression among fish. My tank is only 2x3' with a decent amount of fish and I dont need any of the upheaval that would likely bring.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

I'm not willing to risk it. I would love to have a flame angel because they are pretty, but not if there is any possibility of nipping corals or aggression among fish. My tank is only 2x3' with a decent amount of fish and I dont need any of the upheaval that would likely bring.

Thats fair. We play a constant game of risk management and thats a fairly substantial risk!

 

[reely989]

Im wondering if its something like soda! Everyone can say soda isn't a healthy beverage choice, but once you get down to brass tacks, you realize many of us still have an iced cold soda occasionally. Just because we all say they arent necessarily reef safe, doesnt mean that a large percent of those people dont also keep some in a reef tank! Or maybe they do! Im curious what the forum does!

I wouldn’t even hesitate putting one in a reef tank. If you avoid every potential species that could nip at coral you’d miss out on a lot of cool fish imo.

 

[larrysaltisfun]

I’ve gone FOWLR ever since my bicolor angel took out an entire colony of Zoa’s. But imo the flame angel is the most beautiful available SW fish and is well worth any trouble he may cause. The colors are eye popping Everyday he’s the first guy I look for in my tank. I think the benefits outweigh the risks of ownership

 

[averagesteve]

I’ve gone FOWLR ever since my bicolor angel took out an entire colony of Zoa’s. But imo the flame angel is the most beautiful available SW fish and is well worth any trouble he may cause. The colors are eye popping Everyday he’s the first guy I look for in my tank. I think the benefits outweigh the risks of ownership

I'm currently trying to get my flame angel out of my tank. It has killed every other one of my fish through constant harassment. It doesn't nip at corals, but it ruthlessly attacks any other fish.

 

[larrysaltisfun]

That’s interesting. Mine is in with a 6 inch trigger 6 inch rabbit fish a 6 inch velvet damsel. And a big scopas he’s a newest introduction with exception of a coral beauty, which has a lot of rock work to go in and out of maybe that’s why I’ve been luckier

 

[56longroof]

I think the best bet would be captive bred. I got a pair from Dr Reefs that were model citizens until my tank semi crashed and they both died. Planning on another pair soon.