Adding Emperor with French Angel

[ben jammin]

I've got a 260 gallon FOWLR with some boisterous, though not really aggressive, fish, including a 5" French angel. Originally I wanted to add a majestic angel as my showpiece fish. I tried one several months ago but couldn't get it eating and ultimately lost it. I am concerned about trying another because I know they have a reputation for being shy at first and I worry that I may have missed my stocking window.

In lieu of the majestic (or regal, which I understand to be similarly sensitive) I am considering an emperor angel. Anyone with experience keeping emperors that can offer an opinion? If I can find one that looks healthy and is eating well, is it okay to add when I have an existing French in a 260. I assume the emperor should be at least 5" or larger than the French if I am to add one?

 

[pinnatus]

I had a French with 2 juvi emperors. Never had any problems. French started being aggressive to my Moorish Idol, so I got rid of it.

 

[humaguy]

worry about the emp...when she gains her adult coloration, bad things may happen...

 

[ben jammin]

Care to be a little more specific?

Most 5" emperors I have seen already have their adult coloration.

Are you referring pinnatus' picture with two emperors? I can see those fighting eventually.

 

[SDguy]

IMO a 260g tank is too small for those BIG angels.

 

[humaguy]

emps can become ultra-aggressive when they go adult...the French might be at risk...and then there is what Peter said, I agree...

 

[snorvich]

emps can become ultra-aggressive when they go adult...the French might be at risk...and then there is what Peter said, I agree...

I agree.

 

[davidfrances]

Not always:

Tank contains an Emperor, Majestic, Blue Ring, Eibli, some Flames and Coral Beauty - over a year together, no major aggression issues.

 

[pinnatus]

My 2 emps are now adults. I no longer have the French due to its aggression towards my Idol. The emps get along OK. Meanest fish in my tank is the Powder Blue.

 

[davidfrances]

My meanest fish is the Sailfin tang

 

[MrCaveman]

Id use an acclimation box if possible or section off part of the tank for the emperor. I used to have a large french full adult color in a fowler and it was the undisputed boss. Make sure the new commer is bigger.

 

[davidfrances]

Id use an acclimation box if possible or section off part of the tank for the emperor. I used to have a large french full adult color in a fowler and it was the undisputed boss. Make sure the new commer is bigger.

Yes, the use of an acclimation box, after a suitable quarantine, is an excellent suggestion. I neglected to say that I use one for up to a week when I introduce new fish, especially if the newcomer is smaller.

This Passer will be my newest addition in a couple more weeks. He's currently in my QT now. Healthy, eats like a pig. He would have been in the DT already, but I found a school of pygmies that I couldn't pass up and they extended quarantine.

 

[sandwi54]

260g is too small for a French angel. My 12" French looks too big for my 375g.

An emperor and French will most likely not get along as adults in a sub 300g tank. My 12" French and 9" emperor sometimes quibble over territory but there's no real, consistent aggression between the two. Time will tell when the emperor gets to 12" as well.