Pomacanthus and corals
- Thread starter forddna
- Start date
Genicanthus is the only large angle that won't eat your coral. Pomacanthus will nibble on just about anything, but mostly leave SPS alone. I currently have a chrysurus in a mixed reef and it really loves LPS and any new zoos. I have had small emps that would not touch anything, but they quickly outgrow my coral tanks and move on to my FOWLR so I have no idea how the act as adults.
I would say that your chances are about 10% that it won't pick on anything and about 50/50 (or better) that it will pick on something that you will be mad about.
I would not get a pomacanthus one unless you can easily remove it.
I would say that your chances are about 10% that it won't pick on anything and about 50/50 (or better) that it will pick on something that you will be mad about.
I would not get a pomacanthus one unless you can easily remove it.
jmaneyapanda
Commencing hatred
Thats not even entirely accurate. I have heard numerous horror stories about genicanthus angels nipping, if not destroying, corals also.
So not to detract from this thread, can you PM me if you have some links or threads that discuss this. I would really like to read them and learn some more about this fish.
In any case, my 8 genicanthus, as well as what I have personally heard/read, indicates that they won't eat your coral.
In any case, my 8 genicanthus, as well as what I have personally heard/read, indicates that they won't eat your coral.
Monstrigity
New member
My emperor has been with me for a little over 2 years with SPS, a couple large LPS, some mushrooms, A big RBTA, and a colony of zoa's. As far as I know he has never touched a thing. Oddly enough, I used to try to keep xenia and it never lasted more than a few days. I wouldn't trade him for every coral in my tank. So if I can't keep xenia I'll live! 
jmaneyapanda
Commencing hatred
Its been through personal communication, not threads. On friend had a Lamark that just nipped a couple times, got the taste, and it was over. Another had a bellus that would attack the gills of his clams.
I think they might both be on RC (or were at one point), so I can PM you their names, if you would like.
I would agree that they are FAR LESS risky than say the Pomancanthus, etc., but I would not go as far as to say they will definitiely not eat your coral.
ccampbell57
Premium Member
My Emperor, Blueface, Queen, and French all ate my coral. Every kind.
When they were 5" and less they didnt touch a thing. Once they hit 6"+ they destroyed my entire reef.
They ate my zoos, polyps, leather (all types), mushrooms, frogspawn, hammer, torch, gonoporia (the french loved this one), carpet anemone, RBTA.
You name it, if it is dropped in the tank with them they would eat it.
IMHO, you can keep a large angel with coral when they are young, but once they get older they graze on everything. Your coral will be a nice meal for them.
When they were 5" and less they didnt touch a thing. Once they hit 6"+ they destroyed my entire reef.
They ate my zoos, polyps, leather (all types), mushrooms, frogspawn, hammer, torch, gonoporia (the french loved this one), carpet anemone, RBTA.
You name it, if it is dropped in the tank with them they would eat it.
IMHO, you can keep a large angel with coral when they are young, but once they get older they graze on everything. Your coral will be a nice meal for them.
jmaneyapanda
Commencing hatred
I sent a PM too.
Monstrigity
New member
IMO the french angel is one of the least "reef safe" angels. I bet he talked the other guys into it. You cant be too careful who you let them hang out with these days.
janakaybravo
New member
My female bellus never touched any corals at all.
I agree once a large angel gets of size they want food and make anything a meal. My emp ate nems,rics,zoa's and the new growth off of sps.
My maj ate the polyps off my sps and zoa's, and any other lps it could get to.
Angels like to graze, and are poor at waiting for food. They will make a meal out of anything. IMO
My maj ate the polyps off my sps and zoa's, and any other lps it could get to.
Angels like to graze, and are poor at waiting for food. They will make a meal out of anything. IMO
janakaybravo
New member
My bellus angel did not bother any corals, hard or soft, or clams. The gencanthus are plankton feeders (bellus, Lamarks, watanabei). I did read above where someone has had an experience with them eating their corals although I have never heard of this. Do some research on wet web media. I think they are the only reef safe angels. I had mine until she got old and died, years. I miss her a lot, beautiful fish.
jmaneyapanda
Commencing hatred
There are cases where Genicanthuis angels have turned to eating corals. they are few and far betwen, but it has occurred, and is not unherad of. It ios bad advise to say that they are entirely reef safe and will never touch a coral. They have in the past.
Search "genicathus coral nipping", and you should find some threads.
Search "genicathus coral nipping", and you should find some threads.
Conesus_Kid
Premium Member
My juvi Majestic has acquired a taste for Pocillopora and acros. 
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