Mixing Dwarf Angels
- Thread starter marleesan
- Start date
Bobbitworm13
New member
I've never done it before but I've seen people with 30 and 40 gallon tanks do it so I would think so. Maybe get some light diffuser and split the tank in half and let them get used to each other.
Half Vaped
New member
It's possible, but could end horribly for one or both fish. I had a Flame Angel for less than a month when I introduced a Coral Beauty in an acclimation box for about a week. No aggression at all while the Coral Beauty was in the box.
As soon as I released the Coral Beauty, the Flame started attacking it relentlessly and it went into hiding in the rocks. I never saw the Coral Beauty again. That was in a 150G. The Flame got along with everything else, though.
I never had a Cherub, but I read that they, too, can be pretty nasty. I think you're doing the right thing by putting the Cherub in first since it's smaller. Maybe try a larger Flame, use an acclimation box and be ready to catch one of them, if needed. I also find that heavy, frequent feedings can reduce aggression in many fish.
As soon as I released the Coral Beauty, the Flame started attacking it relentlessly and it went into hiding in the rocks. I never saw the Coral Beauty again. That was in a 150G. The Flame got along with everything else, though.
I never had a Cherub, but I read that they, too, can be pretty nasty. I think you're doing the right thing by putting the Cherub in first since it's smaller. Maybe try a larger Flame, use an acclimation box and be ready to catch one of them, if needed. I also find that heavy, frequent feedings can reduce aggression in many fish.
scooter31707
New member
Had a Flame and a half-back in a 120 that every time they saw each other it was on, lip-locking and everything until my tang would come and break it up. I would not recommend it in a 90, especially with those two which can be jerks.
silentstorm
Member
While people have done it in the past - doesn't mean its going to work each time...cause it really comes down to the individual fish. But I personally wouldn't push it in a 90 gallon ...
My experience is, its worked for me in my 180 gallon - I did start out with issues which lasted for few weeks - tried everything to catching one & finally before I toredown the tank to get them out - they settled!
On the other hand, if you definitely want to test the waters - I would introduce the flame 2nd as you planned (if he is bigger than the cherub) / same size, would think about introducing together (which has worked for most).
My experience is, its worked for me in my 180 gallon - I did start out with issues which lasted for few weeks - tried everything to catching one & finally before I toredown the tank to get them out - they settled!
On the other hand, if you definitely want to test the waters - I would introduce the flame 2nd as you planned (if he is bigger than the cherub) / same size, would think about introducing together (which has worked for most).
I have kept multiple dwarf Angels together in all sorts of sized tanks. Some combinations ended badly, but most learned to live together mostly peacefully. The key in sucessfully acclimatizing any new fish to a community tank is to ensure the fish is in good condition. Expecting a new fish suffering from the stress of being caught and shipped to then survive the initial hazing process, is the ultimate in stupidity IME. I put all new fish though many weeks of QT, for disease certainly, but also to ensure that they have regained their appetite and a healthy weight. Doesn't guarantee success, but sure increases the odds.
fishfreak2009
Swimming in the School
If they are added at the same time that generally helps quite a bit. I have a flame, 2 coral beauties, and a lemonpeel in my tank, as well as a baby Koran and a baby regal. Everyone gets along pretty well, only occasional nipping between the coral beauty pair. In my old 180 I had a nox, a bicolor, a lemonpeel, 2 coral beauties, a Potter's, a regal, a Koran, and a juvenile emperor and didn't have any issues.
Lots of food and lots of rock kept everyone happy. Rearranging the rocks upon adding to the tank and having a mirror helps as well. I always suggest trying to find small females. They fit better in a pecking order.
Lots of food and lots of rock kept everyone happy. Rearranging the rocks upon adding to the tank and having a mirror helps as well. I always suggest trying to find small females. They fit better in a pecking order.
zooman72
New member
Simon hits the nail on the head here with this...
I have also found (as has been mentioned) that adding larger ones after smaller ones are established is preferable, or at least adding smaller ones together at the same time...
hogfanreefer
Active member
+1
ThRoewer
New member
Close relatives may form mixed harems. For example Centropyge aurantonotus and Centropyge argi are known for this where their distribution areas overlap in the South Caribbean.
The other option would be to go for species that are as far related as possible and have very different color schemes and behaviors.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
The other option would be to go for species that are as far related as possible and have very different color schemes and behaviors.
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skeeter2134
New member
I have three dwarf angels in a 125 gallon reef. Bicolor, Flame and Potter's. The first two have been in the tank for about two years. The potter's is the smallest and this probably caused the flame to check him out but did't feel threatened. All three doing well.
Cancun
Member
I have to agree....it depends on the individual fish. Can it be done...sure. Bit what might work for some may not work for you and vise versa....I have never had any luck mixing dwarfs in my 4ft 80 gallon....it always ended bad....even adding at the same time...rearranging the live rock....the mirror trick...so now I only keep one dwarf angel. I won't try two again.
Frogmanx82
New member
Whenever you buy a fish there is a chance it won’t make it and even with QT a chance you will introduce something bad in the tank. Every purchase is a risk. I have a Flame but am really considering a cherub. To me the upside is with it. Just like the 4 clowns I have that weren’t supposed to mame it together.
ReefTeacher
Member
I have mixed dwarf angels many times...but more timid species, Golden, midnight, coral beauties.
The cherub, C. argi, I had a great deal of experience with, and one of my students even tried to form a harem of them. They are tiny, but they are beasts! I have seen them attack an Emperor at least 10 times its size....and intimidate him! It was trying to inflict "death by 1000 cuts!" I would be very cautious about putting other angels in with them. Just watch carefully, if they make it through the first few days, usually the battle is won.
The cherub, C. argi, I had a great deal of experience with, and one of my students even tried to form a harem of them. They are tiny, but they are beasts! I have seen them attack an Emperor at least 10 times its size....and intimidate him! It was trying to inflict "death by 1000 cuts!" I would be very cautious about putting other angels in with them. Just watch carefully, if they make it through the first few days, usually the battle is won.
