Has anyone kept a Venustus Angel?

[ENTMogul]

Almost bought one last night but after doing my research it seems they are very hard to keep.

Since I am hardly home and rely on my fish guy to take care of everyone I got a little discouraged. Not because I don't trust my fish guy, but why add the extra headache?

Anyway, what is your experience with them?

 

[njudson]

I don't have any direct experience with the Venustus but I can tell you that it is a deep water fish that can have trouble taking prepared foods. I have been successful so far keeping a Multibar angel which is a similar fish. In my opinion its all about the individual fish, if you can find a healthy specimen they are as hardy as any dwarf angel.

 

[Toddrtrex]

I have had mine for about a year now. Picked it up from the DD section of LA. Mine was eating within minutes of being released into my tank -- though I have a feeling that has a lot to do with it coming from DD and wouldn't consider that the norm.

Can be fairly shy at first, and can be bullied; would make sure it is one of the first fish. However, that leads to another problem -- I would only put on into a mature tank, with a decent amount of live rock for it to graze upon. I just moved mine to another tank (( just part of me moving, and not because of any issue )), but was kept with a multi-colored and a coral beauty prior to that -- was the first of that group in the tank.

There hasn't been a food that mine hasn't eaten, and has a great appetite.

Right before I released it;

From back in August;

With my Coral Beauty

 

[Sigmund]

I have had mine for about 3 years, pics are in my gallery. Got mine on a lucky find at a LFS, made sure it was eating before I bought him. Other than a scare a few months ago when it stopped eating for a few days when my multi-bar got sick, he has been hardy and easy to keep. Like everything else getting a healthy specimen really is 90% of the battle.

Mine is bold, eats everything, enjoys the ledges rockwork etc. but spends most of the time in the open. He is the dominant fish in my 150 gallon, and is as fat as he is long almost. Feed Spirulina infused brine, mysis, and spirulina flakes on a regular basis, few other things as occaisonal treats. I also do 20% water changes every week, and keep my temp between 74-78 usually.

Great fish, amazing purple blue color, with intense blue highlights. I say get it if it is a healthy fish.

 

[ENTMogul]

great info. Thanks!

The one I was looking at has been sold but I think, as stated above, I would want to purchase from LA DD then any where else. If I come across one again I will hop on it.