Choosing a dwarf angel

[Jackwkahn]

I really would like a dwarf angel, my top 3 (in order of preference) would be potters, african flameback, and cherub. Which of these would have the best behavior in a 40B mixed reef (no clams)? Im also open to any advice/other dwarf angel suggestions. Thanks

P.S.- Current Inhabitants Include
-2 dispar anthias
-1 Chromis
-2 Ocellaris Clownfish
-1 leopard wrasse
-1 black cap basslet

 

[kakalakasha]

I'm no big fan of potters, but I bleieve they get a little bit larger than most other dwarf angels. I have an African flameback in my 40b, with lps, Zoas, shrooms, and haven't had Amy problem with picking. Ive got 2xblack clowns, 2xchromis, 1xflame angel, 1xflameback angel, 1xtailspot blenny, 1xspotted mandarin. He is a model citizen and loves his food!

 

[Jackwkahn]

zack,
what do you feed your flameback?
so far i think I'm leaning towards the flameback because of the size/difficulty of care associated with potters and because the IMO the flameback is prettier than the cherub

 

[kakalakasha]

My flameback has a very varied diet. I feed red and green nori, an angel formula (one that contains sponge), mysis, brine, bloodworms, rods coral food, NLS pellets, and I have lots of live macro algae in the tank for mine to constantly graze on. He will eat pretty Mich anything that goes in the tank, especially after I soak it in selcon!

 

[kakalakasha]

And I agree, the flameback is much more attractive than the cherub! Plus I've heard cherubs love to pick corals; although I've never had one.

 

[rssjsb]

Actually, all of the argi complex centropyge angels (which includes cherubs and flamebacks) are generally viewed about the same. I don't think cherubs are any more likely to nip than flamebacks. Individual fish vary a lot, though, and there are never any guarantees.

All the argi dwarves can be mean little boogers, though. So you'll want to add it last and watch out for your dispar and other passive fish.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Actually, all of the argi complex centropyge angels (which includes cherubs and flamebacks) are generally viewed about the same. I don't think cherubs are any more likely to nip than flamebacks. Individual fish vary a lot, though, and there are never any guarantees.

All the argi dwarves can be mean little boogers, though. So you'll want to add it last and watch out for your dispar and other passive fish.

I agree. And all of these DAs do much better in an established tank with plenty of mature LR. I would never add one (especially) to a smaller tank that's less than a year old.

 

[Jackwkahn]

so you guys are saying that if I do go for a flame back, I need to find a healthy specimen thats already eating well and make sure I feed it several times a day in order to make up for the lack of grazing

 

[Ambition]

IMO, I think you are fairly heavily stocked as anthias should be fed 4-5x a day because of their fast metabolisms. Also, once the two ocellaris clowns you have reach sexual maturity and begin spawning they will easily take up a third to half of the tank and protect it.

 

[Jackwkahn]

IMO, I think you are fairly heavily stocked as anthias should be fed 4-5x a day because of their fast metabolisms. Also, once the two ocellaris clowns you have reach sexual maturity and begin spawning they will easily take up a third to half of the tank and protect it.

I had a feeling this was the case. Ehh, its not that pretty. I'll get over it. I'd rather spend money on coral lol