Multiple dwarf angels in one tank... your recommendations?

[Lion-o]

Hey All,

I am working on my stocking list ideas for a new 225G and am a big fan of angels... It is my understanding that dwarf angels should always be kept in odd numbers (1,3,5...) in an attempt to avoid quarrels. Given that, after some soul searching I decided I'd like to do these three:

Centropyge loriculus (Flame)
Centropyge vroliki (Half Black)
Centropyge aurantia (Golden)

I am well aware that all angels have the potential to nip... but out of these, do you see any red flags? Would any be absolutely likely to cause coral destruction or bully on the others? Should they all be stocked at the same time? I also like the coral beauty... I could swap him in if needed

thanks in advance
~

 

[falconut]

I had a Flame Angel for three years in my 90 gallon, then I tried a Half Black Angel and the Flame didn't even bother him. Now the Flame was about 3" and the Half Black was around 4". Maybe that was why. I think your tank size would give you a better shot than average and try to add them at the same time, too.

Now, the Half Black started to nip at everything. He would go from coral to coral and they started to look really crappy. I managed to catch him, he swam right into a clear container, so out he came. Then, my Flame who already would nip Xenia so bad it would die. Most wouldn't mind, but I really like the pulsing of it. He then started to nip some new zoas I got. So I finally got him out. Wow, the Xenia and Zoas came back and look great. Plus, some of my other Zoas and Palys were being niped by him too. /because after he came out then opened up nicer.

Now my buddy has a Flame in his reef and his don't bother anything. Plus I've heard of others keeping Half Blacks without issues. Maybe his large size was the problem. I'd suggest tring a smaller one and good luck.

 

[ntropics]

If you go to the Scott Michael book he says that loriculus and aurantia may be a bit more aggressive. I have a 180 with lots of live rock and hiding spaces (i.e. caves) and have a bicolor,bispinosus, and a ferrugatus with no aggression between them. These are probably more peaceful than your choices.

Bruce

 

[iamwhatiam52]

My 180 mixed up reef is home to a pair of cherubs, a flame, and two Singapore angels.
There is a bit of posturing and chasing, but no serious aggression.
Also, rarely any coral nipping.

By the way, the tank has an overabundance of rock, so there are plenty of hiding places,

 

[Toddrtrex]

I have 3 in my 58, it has been about a month with all 3. Minor chasing, but have had more issues from my pink skunk pair. There is always a risk, and the only reason I tried it because I have other tanks to move any trouble makers too.

If you do try this, I would put the golden/aurantia in first, and make sure that it is eating and settled in fully -- since it is a fairly shy fish.

Venustus, aurantia, and bispinosa.

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[flameangel88]

As Todd said, the Golden should go in first and acclimate to eating prepared food well before adding any other fish. Don't think you'll have any problem with your list in a 225.

I've the following dwarf in a 180 fowlr
3 Flame
2 Lemonpeel
2 Venustus
1 Coral Beauty -- this one is a pain and loves chasing new/smaller fish and only the large male Flame can put the CB in his place. I've 2 CB in 2 tanks and both are the same way.