would Flame Angel hurt corals?

[aviator]

I have some corals, and i want add one flame , is it right?
Bubble, Hammer ,...

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Whenever you add an angel fish, there is always a risk of it nipping coral. There is no way to say yes or no. I have seen reefs with flames in there with no issues...and some have had issues.

This is the reason why I may go back on my Lemonpeel angel idea.

 

[MrDJeep123]

The only angel that won't bother corals are of the Genicanthus. Every other angel should be on the "it will eventually eat my corals" list. They are best kept in fish only aquariums.
I had a cherub pygmy once. They are usually nice and it's not often they pick. But this one had a hankering for my acans.

 

[cginter]

I'd give you my flame angel if I could get him out! I had him for 2 years, never had a problem until this month. Now he nips at zoas and acans. Such a bummer [emoji53].

 

[Waters]

I have tried 5 different species of Dwarf Angels.....all had to be removed :-(

 

[Wiz]

I think it is entirely dependent upon the fish, I had a coral beauty for 5 years without any problem until I broke down the tank. I have a flame now with a very full mixed Reef I've had for about 4 months with no issue Not to say that there might not be eventually

 

[Wiz]

I've never had them nip corals. When you guys say nip do they damage the coral or just aggravated occasionally?

 

[ca1ore]

My experience with dwarf angels is that nipping is simply a matter of time and opportunity. Anyone who keeps corals and says their angel is a model citizen simply hasn't waited long enough.

 

[Wiz]

As I said I had my coral beauty for five years without a problem that's a pretty long time. But most people do say they windup nipping. I still want to know if nipping means destroying corals or just annoying them

 

[ca1ore]

As I said I had my coral beauty for five years without a problem that's a pretty long time.

But not long enough - CB typically start nipping at about 6 years ......

 

[ca1ore]

I have tried 5 different species of Dwarf Angels.....all had to be removed :-(

Just have to decide which you like better. I like my dwarf angels better, so I keep them and if they nip a coral, so be it.

 

[Wiz]

But not long enough - CB typically start nipping at about 6 years ......

Usually after 6 years huh..... and just coral beauties..... Isnt that interresting.

 

[MrDJeep123]

I've never had them nip corals. When you guys say nip do they damage the coral or just aggravated occasionally?

Nipping leads to irritation which leads to death. It's not the actual nipping, unless it's with LPS (they do receive damage) that causes the damage. For example, they don't actually eat the clam, but the mucous. But because it causes irritation, the clam stays closed which leads to its decline.

 

[Wiz]

Nipping leads to irritation which leads to death. It's not the actual nipping, unless it's with LPS (they do receive damage) that causes the damage. For example, they don't actually eat the clam, but the mucous. But because it causes irritation, the clam stays closed which leads to its decline.

Thx for the reply

 

[Waters]

Just have to decide which you like better. I like my dwarf angels better, so I keep them and if they nip a coral, so be it.

Unfortunately in my experiences (Flame, Bi-Color, Golden, Eibli, and Coral Beauty) it wasn't just nipping.....it was total decimation of fleshy coral lol. Some were worse than others of course....but like I said, I had to remove them all or switch over to a FOWLR tank.

 

[saltyhog]

My flameback was great for 8 months then acans and zoas were on the menu. I have a thought to do a large SPS only tank one day and I really think a dwarf angel might be fine there.

 

[ca1ore]

Usually after 6 years huh..... and just coral beauties..... Isnt that interresting.

Almost beyond belief, I'd say .....

I'm exaggerating to make a point, if course. Which is, depending upon the corals one chooses to keep, the dwarfs one selects, and enough time and opportunity, and the vast majority will nip. There are always exceptions. I had a CB for almost a decade, and it was a model citizen for 8 of those 10 until I added a regal who apparently 'taught' the CB some bad behaviors.

 

[ca1ore]

Unfortunately in my experiences (Flame, Bi-Color, Golden, Eibli, and Coral Beauty) it wasn't just nipping.....it was total decimation of fleshy coral lol. Some were worse than others of course....but like I said, I had to remove them all or switch over to a FOWLR tank.

That's a good point. My flame and potters killed a few open brain corals, but I didn't really mind all that much, though up to now they have left my torch and hammer alone. Just a matter of time, if course ....