Angel Fish and Butterfly Fish

[sleevasteve]

On some of the butterfly and angel descriptions on liveaquaria, they say they can be kept with reef under caution. What kind of corals can you put with the ones that say this? I love the looks of these fish, but I am a coral freak, so I need to plan out what corals to put in my upcoming tank. Thanks in advance.

 

[SDguy]

*usually* things like colt corals, toadstools, and other noxious type corals are left alone, depending on which species of fish we're talking. You're going to have to make either a fish wish list or coral wish list first to get more definite answers.

Personally, an easier solution is to just get two tanks

 

[sleevasteve]

lol thanks for the answer. I am going for the less agressive cautionary reef safe ones. I will get a list together. I didn't know if there were certain types of corals anybody knew of that they, in general, don't really mess with. I wish 2 tanks were an option trust me! Maybe in the future for my house..but this is for my office. Thanks.

 

[JamesJR]

you may also consider the type of angel or butterfly you put in your tank because some are great choices and some are terrible.

 

[sleevasteve]

Terrible choices in what way? Do you mean the look of them, behavioral, or what? Sorry I am not very familiar with the angels or butterflys, I just know they are some very beautiful fish.

 

[JamesJR]

Butterflies and angels vary considerably in their diet and feeding behavior which is what determines which species are suitable for a reef tank and those that are not. Some butterflies are obligate coral eaters which makes them terrible choices for aquariums and some eat things like plankton which makes them great choices. Angels are different. Some eat sponges and nip coral and clam mantle, and there are some that eat mainly algae and detritus. Some angels are a little agressive but the main criterion I am saying is that be careful with butterflies in what species you choose because some will just eat away all your corals.

 

[sleevasteve]

Ok thanks for the advice!

 

[JamesJR]

I love the butterflies and some of them make good reef fish. The schooling bannerfish is a great choice, the copperband are just some examples. Just do a little research because some really make great reef aquarium fish.