Bi color Angel reef safe?

[thenewguy997]

Im thinking of getting a bi color angel as my first fish. I understand they eat algae and detritus and thats what im looking for.

Are they reef safe? LA says with caution. I have no corals right now but plan to add a torch coral and other lps later on..

Also.. they dont get aggressive do they? This is also going in a 75 so idk if the extra space will help with corals or behavior.

Whats your experiences?

 

[Nina51]

you need to read the full description. it includes "Not a good reef dweller, the Bicolor Angelfish is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles."

i think these are beautiful fish and i was bummed to learn they aren't particularly reef-safe.

 

[Peter Eichler]

They are about the least reef safe in the genus, especially if it's LPS you're looking to add.

 

[HumbleFish]

All dwarf angels are "hit or miss" when it comes to coral nipping. Most of the time, it's not IF they'll nip, but which corals they'll nip to death. For example, most zoas are toast with them.

IME; the yellow ones are the worst when it comes to coral nipping for some reason. So, that means your Bi color and the Lemonpeel. Both are also more on the aggressive side. Your best bet is not to keep any angels in a reef (I say this, but I have 6). However, IMHO a Coral Beauty is your best candidate if you absolutely have to have one.

 

[HPark]

I would qualify the above -- I've had numerous dwarf angelfish in reefs and I've never had any issues. There was a pretty good thread that had a poll with responses from people regarding what dwarf angel they had, if it nipped at corals, and what corals.

From what I've read online, LPS and zoas are at greatest risk, but again, I've kept numerous dwarf angelfish and haven't had a problem keeping those corals.

The important considerations -- do I like the coral or the fish more? Am I prepared to tear out the rock to catch the angelfish should it become a problem, and finally, if you do have to remove it, do you have a suitable plan to transfer it into another system/back to the LFS.

For what it's worth -- I've heard/read bicolor angels are not the safest species in reef tanks.

 

[thenewguy997]

Hmmm... ive read a lot about them nipping corals but i like fish more so if they kill a zoa its not a big deal to me. But i dont want to just go around killing coral.

Do you think it would eat a torch coral? Thats one of the only coral i really want..

Maybe a flame angel then, the bicolor is just so pretty..

I was hoping someone would post and say they have a bicolor that never touched there corals.

 

[HumbleFish]

Do you think it would eat a torch coral? Thats one of the only coral i really want..

My Lemonpeel (similar to a Bi color) sampled all of my Euphyllia and leathers, but ultimately decided that just wasn't for her. However, I can't keep candy canes, blastos, flowerpot, zoas; and I wouldn't even try a clam with her. :uhoh2:

 

[Bernie21]

I've had several dwarfs over the years including 2 bi colors (the gf loves them). the 1st one I had was perfect, not aggressive & didn't pick on anything, but died due to tank move. the 2nd one was a terror, bullied everyone & picked on everything non stop, so he had to go. IMO, coral beauty or flames are the best in reefs. and in my experience, its better to add the angels to a reef, than to add a reef to the angels. think of it like adding a pup to a home w a cat vs adding a kitten to a home w a dog...

 

[thenewguy997]

hm... thanks for the info guys. Maybe ill work out a deal with the lfs, or perhaps look at other species. the cherub is pretty as well and ive read its reef "safer"



As long as they dont hurt nems, torch coral, and perhaps some sps then i am okay with them. But i have no corals now so its hard to say. Maybe as you have said its better to establish a reef before adding risky fish.