Scopas tang and corals

[Reesj]

I had my last powder blue munch on corals after about a month in tank. specifically my goniopora. He kept tearing its tentacles which lead me to give him away.

So I'm hoping to get another small tang but don't want any more headache. Was wondering if Scopas are really coral safe always ? Any one had theirs munch on Corals if didn't get their meals on time ?

 

[APT]

I am definitely interested in this as well. I just purchased a scopas tang and have noticed some signs that are showing me that it might be nipping at some of my corals but I've never caught it in the act.

 

[T_BONE]

I have had two Scopas, one currently, and have never had any issues with him nipping at corals. I have a mixed reef of LPS and SPS. Hope that helps.

 

[nereefpat]

There is no reason to think that a scopas tang won't be safe with corals.

But, sometimes the fishes we keep can be defective. I have had to remove two tangs in the past. A kole that was eating LPS, and a regal for generally neurotic behavior including knocking over corals.

 

[User1]

Every fish is different. Tangs will roam and forage for algae to eat. What may not be visible to you may be to the tang...so picking is going to happen. Comes with the territory. I currently have a Scopas and a Lavender in my 210. Both do amazingly well at managing any and all forms of algae. However, they are party animals. I have a Coral Beauty who believes all forms of zoa's are skittles and will eat them. Doesn't matter what coral frag size and color I try, and I do test frags from my LFS, it attacks them. Much to my dismay the last test frag the Scopas and Lavender joined in on the party.

No zoa is safe in my tank. Even the Scopas gets in on the party. Go figure.

 

[Jesterrace]

Is it possible that a reef safe fish can turn out to be a coral muncher? Sure. Are there cases of tangs being coral nippers (Yes, especially among Pacific Blues). That said, the Scopas Tang IMHO would have really high odds of success in a coral reef.

 

[Reesj]

Thanks for the info sofar. My choices for tangs are Hippo tang Scopas or Foxface Lo.
What do you gues think is the most face choice ?

 

[najer]

I have two scopas', a scopas scopas and a yellow one.
I have never seen or suspected them of chewing corals.
Mine have constant access to algae so graze naturally all day.
I think you would be unlucky to get a coral nipper.
I worry more about my flame angel and fox face!
Mixed reef.

 

[x2uranium]

I think it’s rare but mine ate pieces of a huge stylo. I do believe it’s because I didn’t feed him enough. He doesn’t touch any other sps and I have a lot of types.

 

[nereefpat]

Thanks for the info sofar. My choices for tangs are Hippo tang Scopas or Foxface Lo.
What do you gues think is the most face choice ?

Of those three, from most safe to least safe with corals, would be scopas -> hippo - > foxface. All are a good bets to make in a reef. Of course you should consider what each fish has as a benefit, your tank size, what you think looks best, etc.

 

[S2G]

My scopas is a model citizen. It hazes newcomers but that's it. Tbh I inherited it and I'm fond of it now. However, it's very drab in comparison to a powder, kole, etc.

Out of the choices you listed I would go foxface.