annularis angel in reef

[goldy26]

hey guys and gals, so i wanted some input (and really insight) and opinion/experience with the annularis angel in reef tanks. more curious for success stories, however rare they may be, and what people have done to try to get them to not eat coral. thanks guys!

 

[ken6217]

First of all, it's the luck of the draw. Meaning it comes down to the individual fish and not necessarily the species. Also depends on what you're keeping.

Is the tank SPS, LPS, Zoas, etc?

My tanks are and have been SPS. I never kept an Annularis but I have kept big French, Majestic, Queen, Goldflake with no picking.

On the other hand, I had a Flameback and he picked on everything.

My theory is, if you see a fish that you really love, and are willing to take the chance, then go for it.
Ken

 

[Reef264]

First of all, it's the luck of the draw. Meaning it comes down to the individual fish and not necessarily the species. Also depends on what you're keeping.

Is the tank SPS, LPS, Zoas, etc?

My tanks are and have been SPS. I never kept an Annularis but I have kept big French, Majestic, Queen, Goldflake with no picking.

On the other hand, I had a Flameback and he picked on everything.

My theory is, if you see a fish that you really love, and are willing to take the chance, then go for it.
Ken

+1, 100% Yes.

Acan's and Brains always seem to be the sure fire corals to be eaten by nearly every Angel, or given my experiences at least.

 

[gobolts23]

annularis grow very quickly and produce a lot of waste. i think its a pretty poor candidate for a reef tank. they also pick at everything. I purchased a 4" specimen in Dec 2012 and he is almost 10" now.

 

[goldy26]

thanks for the input, although small (1.25") he's already taken out the acans i have, which i also expected and was willing to risk, and when i came home today saw him nipping at some across which are all closed up now.

 

[gobolts23]

^^ya i would say annularis are probably one of the worst full size angels for a reef tank. once he gets to 5-6" you may not have any corals left

 

[BlueMac92]

Any interest in an asfur? From what I've heard, they are one of the more reef safe larger angels.

 

[goldy26]

Any interest in an asfur? From what I've heard, they are one of the more reef safe larger angels.

yeah, the asfur's are really cool too. i really like the juvenile look that the emperor/annularis have. i knew it was a risk going in, but it doesn't look like this little guy is going to be a permanent resident for too long unfortunately.

 

[goldy26]

i've also thought about the regal angel too. those guys are very cool looking.

 

[gobolts23]

they are beautiful....just a real pain to get to eat prepared foods. i would consider them safer than a annularis but definitely not reef safe.

 

[goldy26]

they are beautiful....just a real pain to get to eat prepared foods. i would consider them safer than a annularis but definitely not reef safe.

thanks for the input!

 

[Rea17]

I have a regal and a full size Asfur in my reef, both are excellent with corals. I don't keep zoas, brains, or acans because I feel that would be asking for trouble, but sps and various other LPS/softies are fine.

 

[goldy26]

I have a regal and a full size Asfur in my reef, both are excellent with corals. I don't keep zoas, brains, or acans because I feel that would be asking for trouble, but sps and various other LPS/softies are fine.

Did you do anything to keep them from nipping at your SPS or do you feel you just got a good fish?

 

[Rea17]

I feed several times a day and I have a fairly active tank. I tend to see certain angels nip when they get bored - but again, that comes down to individual fish. Both species are generally considered good candidates for reefs whereas the annularis is not.

 

[goldy26]

I feed several times a day and I have a fairly active tank. I tend to see certain angels nip when they get bored - but again, that comes down to individual fish. Both species are generally considered good candidates for reefs whereas the annularis is not.

Thanks!

 

[Scuba Dog]

I had good luck with both regals and emperor angels in a sps tank. But but of the "little Angels" considered zoanthids to be the M&M's of the sea!

 

[goldy26]

Just as an update, I have set an auto feeder up with my tank and have placed some marine algea in every morning for the annularis to eat. I've noticed that he has deceased his nipping, although not completely. Hopefully this increased amount of food will help to deter him from my coral only issue is that I expect to see a nitrate increase.