SLIGHTLY Different take on the Dwarf Angel Question

[jonnybravo22]

So I know that even if there are examples of "success" stories with multiple types of dwarf angels in a tank, it's not a good suggestion, particularly if they look similar.

That said, I wonder about the case where you have a social group like a pair or a trio of dwarf angels like argi or acanthops, can they be in a reef with other dwarf species?

The reason I thinkit could be different is because they clearly have already accepted that they are in a tank with similar looking dwarfs, hence the pair or trio. Do they still freak out on other dwarf angels or are they properly socialized such that they should behave? Curious to hear any experiences you all might have had.

 

[nonimmigrant]

So I know that even if there are examples of "success" stories with multiple types of dwarf angels in a tank, it's not a good suggestion, particularly if they look similar.

I'm commented extensively on this topic: If your tank is of adequate size, keeping Centropyge in harems is a better route that keeping them singly IME. I have been doing this for years with multifasciatus, aurantius, nox, etc. Key in my mind is number of a single species vs one of each of, say, five species. The latter is an invitation for stress in a tank <200G. If they are of the same species, you are imitating more of what Centropyge are used to in nature; namely a male with a harem of females. Good luck.

 

[philter4]

I'm commented extensively on this topic: If your tank is of adequate size, keeping Centropyge in harems is a better route that keeping them singly IME. I have been doing this for years with multifasciatus, aurantius, nox, etc. Key in my mind is number of a single species vs one of each of, say, five species. The latter is an invitation for stress in a tank <200G. If they are of the same species, you are imitating more of what Centropyge are used to in nature; namely a male with a harem of females. Good luck.

I agree, for 25+ years I have kept Centropyge angles in herems. Back then when I used to tell people this and what I observed while diving I was normally accused of not being totally honest with my stock lists. I have also never had trouble with multiple species (which I also keep as trios or more) in the same tanks. Right now I have Argo, potter's, fischer's in herems and a pair (which I collected as a pair in November in Hawaii) of flame angels together in a 250 gal soft coral tank.

I have posted several photos but on that last HI trip my camera flooded (my fault) so I don't have any new photos of the tank or flame angel pair, I'll get some as soon as I buy a new camera.

 

[Monkeyfish]

How can you tell a male from female C. argi?