Pygmy Angelfish - Reef Safe?

[cd77]

I recently purchase a Pygmy / Cherub Angelfish on the advice of my LFS. It seems to like to hang close to the LR, picking frequently -- mostly on the rock itself but occasionally I've seen it pick a little on one of my leathers; though no apparent damage or reaction by the leather.

I'm just curious to know if anyone else owns one of these, and whether or not they've had any problems with them in their reef.

 

[Blindmelonbob]

They're known to pick on clams and sps, too, I think. Some folks have trouble with them, and others don't.

 

[lilchris]

its a hit or miss

 

[cd77]

Thanks folks -- Guess I'll just have to keep an eye on the little guy for a while. That will not be an easy fish to get out if I need to.. damn LFS store.

 

[catdoc]

Mine's been a perfect reef inhabitant, other than the time I tried to get him a mate (he killed the new one by sending it into hiding and not letting it out).

 

[fambrough]

absolutely fine

absolutely fine

I have one. Mine is fine. They are grazers, feeding on micro algae on the rocks. It will pick at the rocks all day long. It might pick at a coral every once in a while, but does zero damage and does not bother the corals in the slightest. Been in the tank more than a year and a half.

I have read the other angels can be problematic, but I've never seen anyone post actual experience with a cherub/pygmy angel bothering any corals or clams.

Best of luck.

 

[cd77]

Good to hear

 

[adtravels]

ooo if I only had a pound for every time I have seen this one
I have not seen one that is 100 % safe. especially if you are a tube worm.

 

[cd77]

Hmm, I did just recently have a Hawaiian feather lose it's head.. I guess all I can do is keep a close eye on the little guy.

 

[Davidb6]

Check responses to my angle / reef question -

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1227574

 

[mikeshook]

I've personally kept those littly Caribeaan Cherub/Pygmy Angels without ever having problem.

 

[mikeshook]

I think the issue comes with the Pacific Pygmy Angel's. Flames, Coral Beauty, LemonPeel, etc...

 

[kysard1]

My strategy was to buy a captive bred juvenille Cherub. They are suppose to have a much higher chance of being reef safe. Mine has been very good.

 

[Peter Eichler]

Re: absolutely fine

Re: absolutely fine

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10974799#post10974799 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fambrough
I have one. Mine is fine. They are grazers, feeding on micro algae on the rocks. It will pick at the rocks all day long. It might pick at a coral every once in a while, but does zero damage and does not bother the corals in the slightest. Been in the tank more than a year and a half.

I have read the other angels can be problematic, but I've never seen anyone post actual experience with a cherub/pygmy angel bothering any corals or clams.

Best of luck.

I've seen more than one example nip at clam mantles and they especially seem to like to bother brain type corals. Sometimes to the point of the coral refusing to open, which will lead to the demise.

 

[haggarse]

My pygmy leaves coral and clams alone but be warned they are an agressive fish and become very tertitorial. Be careful what other fish you have in the tank w/ a pygmy. I have a firefish (timid by nature) that I almost never see because my pygmy won't let him out of the rocks.