Emperor angelfish

sethd12

sethd12

New member
Does anybody have any experience keeping an emperor angel in a reef tank. I have seen them in pictures here and there on reef central but wanted some hands on experience from anybody that has kept/keeping them. Are juveniles better to start with or adults? Types of corals they seem to pick at normally etc.

Thanks guys
 
I have had an emperor angelfish in my reef tank for over 2 years now. He was sub adult when I got him and now he is about 9" long. I have never seem him go after anything except for Zoa's and occasionally acans but he leaves all other LPS and SPS alone. The only thing to watch out for is they are very territorial. He will literally chase other tangs and reef fish around if he feels they are competing for food. they don't tolerate other angelfish either.... Ask me how I know?? Other than that they are a fantastic fish, and mine is very intelligent. It will eat directly out of my hand.

Hope that helps a little.
 
That is exactly what I was looking for. That is great feedback. I was already thinking of the sub adult as they are not too large and has some of the adult colorations. I manly have LPS with a few Zoas. I am surprised to heard about the territorial issues with them. I should have assumed since they kings of the ocean. I already have a female Bellus that I have had for many years so maybe not the best option. Or do you think ok since Bellus is so well established. Just no new Angels or tangs.
 
Mine have been fine with Euphyllia, SPS, Softies, and War Corals. Stay away from open brains and zoa's.
 
Mine started as a half-dollar sized juvenile in a 75 gallon fish tank with a juvenile Harlequin Tusk. They both grew and the Emperor was definitely the boss but never really harmed the Tusk.

The Emperor is now three quarter through its change to adult coloration and is in a 210 gallon reef tank with zoas, euphyllias, and acros, as well as a Blue Girdled Angel, a Flame Angel, and a Cherub Angel. He's the biggest fish in the tank, at about 5 inches and doesn't bother any corals. He's also the boss of the tank — nobody messes with him. He occasionally takes a run at some of the other fish, but just a short run with no harm done. He doesn't harass anyone and can sit in the same cave with the other angels peacefully. I wouldn't try clams, though.
 
My wife has been bugging me to get one but I have told her they are not reef safe. We have a 90 gallon now and said 8 can upgrade to a 220 if she can have one. I would live to tell her we can get one and upgrade the tank. I mean....how often does the wife say to go bigger!?!?
 
Had mine for 8 years. Started as a baby, now he's about 8 inches in a 180. Fine with SPS, but will rip LPS and polyps to shreds in seconds.
 
Hmmm so seems reef safe depends on the individual like most species and temperment. I think I am going to try one, however now need to try and decide on juvenile, changing, or adult.
 
sethd12 said:
Hmmm so seems reef safe depends on the individual like most species and temperment. I think I am going to try one, however now need to try and decide on juvenile, changing, or adult.
Click to expand...

Start with a medium Redsea/African juvenile, they are very reasonable
 
They are reasonable in price? attitude? I was watching a few youtube videos on the Emperor angel last night and all the ones I watched seem to have an attitude. They were all of large adults in aquariums but made me a little nervous. I know that he would be the "boss", but don't need the boss to have a complex that he takes out on all the other fish. Thoughts? Or possibly any other large angels that are semi reef safe like him that might be better.
 
I have two adults. The large one definitely has an attitude, and grunts at the other fish whenever it feels like it. The smaller basically stays out of the larger ones way. The large one is definitely the king of the tank. Overall, aside from the grunting, the tank is peaceful though.

 
The Redsea Regal Angel is the best looking and the most Docile Angel that I know of. Price wise $150 to $300 and a great QT system for a month.
 
Any idea of where to get a Red Sea. I order 95% of my fish from LA with their 14 day guarantee and fish always seem to be extremely healthy. It's really my only option as all my lfs have terrible/sick fish always. Seems LA has many of sizes and places of origin.
 
pinnatus said:
I have two adults. The large one definitely has an attitude, and grunts at the other fish whenever it feels like it. The smaller basically stays out of the larger ones way. The large one is definitely the king of the tank. Overall, aside from the grunting, the tank is peaceful though.

Click to expand...

Nice pair!
The big one with the attitude is the male.
 
I was just thinking that I will be adding quite a few smaller fish eventually (Anthias,wrasses, etc). Will a boss emperor be a terror to them?
 
sethd12 said:
Any idea of where to get a Red Sea. I order 95% of my fish from LA with their 14 day guarantee and fish always seem to be extremely healthy. It's really my only option as all my lfs have terrible/sick fish always. Seems LA has many of sizes and places of origin.
Click to expand...

My juvenile came from NYAquatics, the others came from Quality Marine through my LFS. A couple from Petco. You just have to be patient and wait they are fairly rare
 
The Emperor is the boss, but he doesn't hurt anybody. They just grunt and they all move out of his way. I've never actually seen him attack. Grunt and run!
 
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