Centerpiece fish for 240 gal

[Kirkfrey]

I just lost my centerpiece fish for my 240g peninsula tank (an 6yo Emperor Angel). I am looking to find a replacement to serve as the first impression that people see and comment on. I have lots of SPS + torches and I guess was lucky with the Emperor as he left all that alone (but loved zoas as we found out the hard way). I could just get another Emperor or try other large angels but thought I'd look around and get ideas for other options. I have a few tangs and misc other fish but I want that impressive ONE fish everyone sees when they walk up to the tank.

RIP Sir Chompsalot

 

[Jekyl]

Koi scopas tang.

 

[Kirkfrey]

Any others?

 

[Oldreefer44]

Another Emperor or Queen.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Annularis and Scribbled Angelfish are a couple other angels that could work.

For non-angelfish options, maybe a snowflake or zebra eel (I’ve heard zebras may be the safest with other fish, but I’ve also heard they are big and can be clumsy, so you’d want to make sure your rocks and corals are securely in place). I’ve heard Xanthichthys triggers (especially blue throat/crosshatch triggers) are coral safe (not necessarily invert/shrimp safe though) - same with some of the bigger wrasse species.

 

[SeaDøøby]

Annularis and Scribbled Angelfish are a couple other angels that could work.

I was going to suggest the same thing also I would suggest Regal Angel but they’re pretty difficult at first.

Another centerpiece recommendation would be Harlequin Tusk, small school of Heniochus/bannerfish, or lyretail angelfish/zebra angelfish.

 

[helmsreef]

I've always been really enamored with larger Blonde Nasos with streamers. My blonde looks like he may be developing streamers so thats exciting for me lol

 

[Dbichler]

I don’t think any fish really beats the emperor close choice between the queen though. If regale weren’t as difficult they would be my first choice.

 

[Kirkfrey]

Cool, thanks for all the suggestion. I looked at queen and blue face angels. Scribbled looks cool but not for the prices I’m seeing, like others just as well and are way cheaper.

wondering if any of them are more likely to be reef safe. I had good luck as the emperor only ever ate zoa.

 

[Rmckoy]

+1 on another emperor or a queen is my dream fish .
sadly I think they are not as forgiving with corals in general . If im not mistaken they will
Also eat sps where a emperor will most times not pick at sps

 

[beesnreefs]

I've always been really enamored with larger Blonde Nasos with streamers. My blonde looks like he may be developing streamers so thats exciting for me lol

I love the blond naso…but feel like I’ve heard they can be real jerks. Accurate?

 

[helmsreef]

@beesnreefs They can be just like any Tang but they are more docile than Acanthurus or zebrasomosa at least in my experiences. They usually don't put up that much of a fight

 

[davidcalgary29]

Your tank community is already acclimated (or accustomed) to the behaviour of an Emperor, so you have a better chance of knowing how they'd react and respond to the presence of another one. I'd stick with this stocking plan if it worked for you in the past, as there's less chance of an unfortunate outcome from a new, unknown variable being thrown into mix. And I say that with the typical caveat of all fish being individuals, etc. etc.

 

[beesnreefs]

@beesnreefs They can be just like any Tang but they are more docile than Acanthurus or zebrasomosa at least in my experiences. They usually don't put up that much of a fight

Thanks! This is good to hear...I'd really like to add one to complete the fish list in my 225g