angel fish

[shelden816]

Which would be better for a reef tank, coral beauty or flame angel?

 

[GimpyFin]

I think you're going to get mixed answers on this one. Both are a gamble to a certain degree. I've personally never had a coral beauty, but have had a flame angel for about 2.5 years. He doesn't really touch anything other than what I feed the tank and nipping at the rocks.

 

[morpheas]

I agree. It's a dice roll really. I have a coral beauty for about 4 months and so far so good. I just make sure they're overfed!

 

[JammyBirch]

I agree. It's a dice roll really. I have a coral beauty for about 4 months and so far so good. I just make sure they're overfed!

+1 I don't have either but have a pygmy angel, same deal model citizen but eats like a horse and i make sure i feed the tank. My buddy had a flame that would nip at coral but he upped the food and it stopped.

 

[homer1475]

Any angel is pretty much a crap shoot. Some nip at corals, and some don't. It's up to you to decide if you want to take the risk.

I've had 2 flame angels, the first nipped at everything even if I overfed him, he went back to the LFS. My second and current resident doesn't touch a thing.

 

[morpheas]

Beautiful and graceful creatures though... I really enjoy my guy...

 

[heathlindner25]

Coral in the system in question are: sps digita,gsp,zoas,chalice, bird's nest, Hammer Coral, toadstool, mushrooms, and Monti cap.....angels in the system: 1 flame back, 1 lemon peel, and a coral beauty.
This system is a 65 gallon.

 

[rfurst]

Ya, I think this is one of those unaswerable questions, although one very often posed. I believe what you will find is that the concensus is...it depends. Most will say, and I agree, that it is specimen specific. Many do feel the Coral Beauty is safer than the Flame but again, expereinces vary wildly. I kept a Flame for several years without incident but that says nothing about what the next person might experience.

Given the uncertainty, I'd just pick the one you like the best.

 

[A.Astore]

It is definitely a question that really has no definitive answer. Every fish is different so there is no way to be certain. One thing you could do is find a nice LFS that is willing to work with you. I know the one store about 2 hours from me is really good about switching out fish if needed.

I would say figure which one you like better and go with that one.

 

[Mark9]

I had a coral beauty.
While he did not eat any corals, there were quite a few that he would constantly nip, causing them to stay closed up.
Removed him as the corals were not doing well.

 

[michaelg]

whichever you like the most is probably the best answer I've had numerous centropyge over the years. Currently have a pair of Potter's. Never had an issue, but I know I take a chance every time. Feeding well isn't a surefire preventative, but I would think NOT feeding enough would increase risk of coral nibbling. All the ones I've had are voracious algae eaters. I'm a fan of the innovative marine algae holder.

 

[snorvich]

Any angel is pretty much a crap shoot. Some nip at corals, and some don't. It's up to you to decide if you want to take the risk.

Exactly. Depends on your risk tolerance.

 

[heathlindner25]

GO FOR IT.... set up a tank you don't care about the coral too much and just do, it they're beautiful animals.... you just might luck out and they don't have on anything.

 

[kmbyrnes]

I have had both in my reef with no issues from either fish. Maybe I was lucky or maybe it was because I tend to overfeed my tanks.
Unfortunately, the flame died mysteriously after about 2 months. The Coral Beauty died after a year when the tank crashed.
You will hear stories on both sides of the issue. As stated, it's a crap shoot.