I am contemplating picking up a gold flake angelfish to add to my mixed reef aquarium. Supposedly, this one of the safer reef fish. The current owner is moving the fish because it's nipping on the open brains and scolys. My tank has acans and zoas which I am concern about. His fish so far has not messed with the acans or zoas in his tank. I would hate to come home one day and see the fish wipe out my expensive palys such as captain america, nightmares, and everlasting gobstoppers. Do I take a chance and hope for the best? What are others' experience?
Gold Flake Angel Reef Safe?
- Thread starter eho72
- Start date
I may end up giving this a try. If the GF starts messing with the acans, I will move those out of the tank since I value the fish more. But if it starts messing with my palys collection, I am going to have to get the GF out of my tank. Tough decision, but I like the fish too much to not take a chance.
DJPB
Premium Member
Here's my experience: every angelfish will eat coral. & this sux b/c I really love the Regal Angel but know that I cant have one unless I go all sps. Any angel, even the genicanthus sp are gonna eat something you dont want them too. Your acans-gone. Any zoas-gone. Xenia, Scolys, Trachs, Wells, even favia will be picked on. I believe that the angel is not trying to eat the coral, but a mucus that the coral produces. I've tried several angels in the past in mixed reefs, and even the 100% reef safe Lamarks angel was picking on lps on day 1. Only successful angel I was able to keep long-term was a regal in and sps tank... Of course, this is all just my experience and opinion.
benihana
New member
Mine nips only a little, but preffers my purple stag, and does not care too much for my LPS.
As far as the OP's question on whether or not to get the GF that is available, it really comes down to what you want more, the corals you listed or the fish
Also, losing your corals will most likely not happen over a short period of time, you will most likely see a few of them not responding normally, like less polyp extension and polyps not opening up
As far as the OP's question on whether or not to get the GF that is available, it really comes down to what you want more, the corals you listed or the fish
Also, losing your corals will most likely not happen over a short period of time, you will most likely see a few of them not responding normally, like less polyp extension and polyps not opening up
Yeah, & size of the fish also is a factor. An adult will do a lot of damage, a juvi might not even touch anything or just nibble a bit.
I'm convinced that what causes this is the fish is actually after the coral's mucus. Some corals produce more, but in a tank there usually isn't a huge amount. Then the fish starts eating polyps. Just a Hypothesis right now, not even a theory yet, mind you..
Matthew
I'm convinced that what causes this is the fish is actually after the coral's mucus. Some corals produce more, but in a tank there usually isn't a huge amount. Then the fish starts eating polyps. Just a Hypothesis right now, not even a theory yet, mind you..
Matthew
waxy
In Memoriam
The size and age is definitely a factor.
When you pick them up as a juvi, you can train them to eat your pellets and prepared foods. Only then, they will not nip on your corals.
Now if you were to get them at larger sizes, they'll already arrive to you, accustomed to eating the stuff the find in the wild, live corals
So if you want to keep a Regal, Goldflake or select butterflies. Get them as a juvi, the smaller the better. They'll grow quick, so just be patient even if you want a big one. In a year's time you'll see it double in size according to the size of your tank.
I've had my regal for a while, it hasn't nipped on my corals or Zoo's.
Goldflake, I got was very small, about 2". Hasn't drawn a taste for my Maxima's yet they're all doing fine. Remember! Get them small! They're usually a tad more expensive!
When you pick them up as a juvi, you can train them to eat your pellets and prepared foods. Only then, they will not nip on your corals.
Now if you were to get them at larger sizes, they'll already arrive to you, accustomed to eating the stuff the find in the wild, live corals
So if you want to keep a Regal, Goldflake or select butterflies. Get them as a juvi, the smaller the better. They'll grow quick, so just be patient even if you want a big one. In a year's time you'll see it double in size according to the size of your tank.
I've had my regal for a while, it hasn't nipped on my corals or Zoo's.
Goldflake, I got was very small, about 2". Hasn't drawn a taste for my Maxima's yet they're all doing fine. Remember! Get them small! They're usually a tad more expensive!
jjk_reef00
New member
That is a beautiful fish you have.
I disagree with waxy, you cannot train an angel not to eat corals. I would bet money that your zoas are gone in one year. Angels just love them, so I'd keep a close eye on your angel. He could potentially wipe out an entire colony of zoas before you realized what was happening.
I disagree with waxy, you cannot train an angel not to eat corals. I would bet money that your zoas are gone in one year. Angels just love them, so I'd keep a close eye on your angel. He could potentially wipe out an entire colony of zoas before you realized what was happening.
