Flame angel

Keith Hill · Nov 2, 2016

hello,

I'm looking at getting a flame angel but I need some advice from people that keep them. I have a mixed reef and know they possibly nip at corals if not fed a lot. I feed a lot but every other day. I have 2 tangs that are nice and fat and all other fish except lyrtail anthis do great. One lyretail is doing great but I had 2 smaller ones die but months after getting them. My Mandarin is nice and fat as well. Any personal info to help me decide if I should or should not get the flame angel would be much appreciated.

Thanks

dbl · Nov 3, 2016

I think the vast majority of responses will be it's a hit or miss with the Flame Angels when it comes to corals. That's what I discovered when I was researching them because my wife wanted one.

If you end up not willing to take the chance and still want a pretty cool red fish, take a look at the Flame Hawkfish, unless you have small shrimp that you really like!

Just giving you a bump and offering an alternative.

steve&mari · Nov 3, 2016

Yep hit or miss and even if it doesn't at first it's normal to eventually. Clams are also at risk with them. Beautiful fish but I've tried a couple and always had to remove em eventually.

eatbreakfast · Nov 3, 2016

Feeding only every other day will put you at greater risk for nipping. Flame angels are natural grazers, they get hungry, they'll find something to eat on their own.

Reeferdood · Nov 3, 2016

Maritimer · Nov 3, 2016

I have a coral beauty in my tank (to date, I haven't been able to get a flame angel into my reef - snakebit with those guys!), but also fairy wrasses in DT, and anthias in QT. I feed three times most days, and spread those feedings out over an hour or so. (Thaw cube in RO/DI, swirl about in cup, drop just a splash into HOB refugium overflow, repeat - another splash in 15-20 minutes...) For natural grazers like angels, it's more normal to take "a bite here and a bite there" than it would be to gorge two days worth of meals in 30 seconds.

That's how I spread out a little bit of food over a longer timeframe.

~Bruce

tgfitz1 · Nov 3, 2016

Completely depends on the specimen. I've found that if you purchase Centropyge angels as juveniles they are less likely to nip, feeding them a varied diet should also help keep them satisfied and away from corals. Feeding heavily every other day in my opinion should keep him happy, but you can always increase feeding if you catch him nipping.

eatbreakfast · Nov 3, 2016

But why feed heavy every other day? Why not feed daily? Most reef fish don't have the digestive tract for one big meal every day or every couple of days. Rather, they are designed to eat small meals throughout tge day. Feeding smaller meals is better for the fish, but also helps tank cleanliness too, as a greater percentage of food gets completely eaten.

Keith Hill · Nov 3, 2016

eatbreakfast said:
But why feed heavy every other day? Why not feed daily? Most reef fish don't have the digestive tract for one big meal every day or every couple of days. Rather, they are designed to eat small meals throughout tge day. Feeding smaller meals is better for the fish, but also helps tank cleanliness too, as a greater percentage of food gets completely eaten.

With my work schedule every other day works best. Plus I find my tank parameters are better. Sometimes I feed everyday but often it's every other.

4FordFamily · Nov 3, 2016

Honestly most centropyge it's not a matter of if but when they nip.

IMO it's worth the risk but I also don't keep expensive coral and just rotate them when they do.

r.bergonia19 · Nov 3, 2016

If u can get one that's been around corals and doesn't bother them then ur good.

eatbreakfast · Nov 3, 2016

r.bergonia19 said:
If u can get one that's been around corals and doesn't bother them then ur good.

I've actually seen instances where an angel was fine around coral for a few years, then inexplicably start nipping.

ebeez · Nov 5, 2016

I have a flame angel in my 120 gal tank but only have one lonely purple candelabra. The angel does not go near it at all. I feed once a day (evening) but it is always grazing off the rock.

dmh41532 · Nov 5, 2016

I have coral beauty, while not a flame, it has not bothered any coral. That being said , there is plenty of seaweed out when the lights are on, amd i feed several small meals daily, keeping my angel and other fish fat amd healthy. Ive got sps, lps and zoas