Angel advice, lemonpeel or bicolor experiences?

[ndvr]

Hello, so I've been reading as many threads as possible looking for people's experience with Angel fish (dwarf and large) I am wondering about people's experience with these two particular species? My LFS said they don't usually stock Bicolors b/c they tend not to adapt very well (not eating) They bring in Lemonpeels and Flagfins. I've also been looking at a small Flagfin??(which I would have to trade in once grown up) Don't want to break the bank either...questions to consider;
1. Which species tends to adapt more readily to aquarium life?
2. Lifespan of either in an aquarium?
3. Which brand/type of food aided in your success?

Just interested in anyone's experience with these fish? I realize there are all kinds of variables that contribute to success or failure...thoughts?

* this would be the only angel in my 90g DT. (eventually)

 

[4FordFamily]

Lemon peel are definitely more hardy. They’re a bit more aggressive than bicolor. I don’t recommend getting a a fish that won’t be well suited for your tank as an adult. For dwarf angels I’d say 4-7 years, for large angels 10-20 years is reasonable.

Angels like sponge, so frozen foods with that are food. Live blackworms are a good choice as well, and for really stubborn fish live mussels.

 

[ca1ore]

I’d view both the bicolor and lemon peel as at the harder end of dwarf angels. Bicolor don’t acclimate all that well, a lot like the potters; but lemon peels can be tricky to get eating. LP a bit more boisterous than the bicolor. The main problem with the lemon peel is is propensity to nip, so consider this if your goals for the tank include keeping corals. I’ve had dwarf angels live for well over five years on multiple occasions, with most staying around 3”. Fine for a 90. Never kept a flagfin, so no opinion to offer.

I’ve never had any major issues getting angels onto frozen foods as long as there is plenty of live rock for them to graze initially. Although I do not personally use the frozen angel food a friend of mine swears by it.

 

[tobes77]

I have a yellow dwarf angel fish which is just like a lemonpeel, however without the blue markings around the eye. I believe they are much friendlier and alot more reef safe. I had no trouble from mine in the 6 months i had it. They also stay slightly smaller (if that matters) than a lemonpeel and bi color.

 

[Jesterrace]

As mentioned Bicolors have a much lower than average survival rate. Lemon Peels do better but are terrible for their success rate with corals/reefs and thus are generally not recommended. If your tank is FOWLR than the Lemon Peel might be a good choice. As mentioned above you could consider the Yellow Dwarf Angel as an alternative if you have a reef. From observations the dwarf/pygmy angels that tend to do better than average with corals are:

Coral Beauty
Flame
Potter's
Cherubfish aka pygmy angel

Among the worst are:

Lemon Peel
Eibli aka Red Stripe
Half Black

 

[ndvr]

Thanks all...much appreciated. I have kept Eibli's before and loved it. I was thinking of the others b/c I was looking for the striking yellow color. DT is 90g FOWLR. (no corals to worry about)

 

[Pbh-reef]

@FishyBusinessAq says that have had aquacultured bicolor angels available, but I don’t know how often they get them or who is breeding them. I’d assume aquacultured bicolors would have a better survival rate. You could contact fishy business and see what they say.

 

[AquaLocker]

@FishyBusinessAq says that have had aquacultured bicolor angels available, but I don’t know how often they get them or who is breeding them. I’d assume aquacultured bicolors would have a better survival rate. You could contact fishy business and see what they say.

Thanks for tagging us, @Pbh-reef!

Yes, aquacultured bicolor should be hardier because they have already been raised in captivity and don't have to adjust as much as wild-caught. Unfortunately, they are very hard to get our hands on these days.

 

[Jesterrace]

Thanks all...much appreciated. I have kept Eibli's before and loved it. I was thinking of the others b/c I was looking for the striking yellow color. DT is 90g FOWLR. (no corals to worry about)

Then I would say the Lemon Peel should be a good choice.

 

[ndvr]

Yes, I would be very interested in an aquacultured bicolor angel. I did check out @FishyBusinessAq website. Availability?

 

[AquaLocker]

Yes, I would be very interested in an aquacultured bicolor angel. I did check out @FishyBusinessAq website. Availability?

I am reaching out to the place we have gotten them in the past. I'm not sure if they are available any longer (I haven't seen them in quite a while), but we will try to find them if we can.