Tang Alternative for 40 gallons tank

[canadianeh]

What's alternative out there for Tang that look and behave like them (like to graze and swim), but smaller in size so I can keep in 40 gallons tank?

 

[Cliving1]

Pygmy angel would probably be your best bet. I have a coral beauty in my 40 and its a model citizen.

 

[Fishkeeper44]

Pygmy angel would probably be your best bet. I have a coral beauty in my 40 and its a model citizen.

+1 on this I have a coral beauty also and it is a great fish

 

[canadianeh]

thanks guys! so Coral beauty or Flameback? Can they both be in the same tank? Will they fight?

I also heard they nip on corals What's other alternative that look similar but don't nip on corals?

 

[nereefpat]

thanks guys! so Coral beauty or Flameback? Can they both be in the same tank? Will they fight?

I also heard they nip on corals What's other alternative that look similar but don't nip on corals?

I would not try multiple pygmy angels in a 40gallon.

As far as nipping, you just have to decide if it's worth the risk to you. Some will sample your corals, and some won't.

For bright fishes that swim and fit in a 40 breeder, look at flasher wrasses or smaller wrasses within the huge Halichoerus genus. Hawkfishes are larger, interesting fishes that would be fine in a 40 as well.

 

[canadianeh]

I would not try multiple pygmy angels in a 40gallon.

As far as nipping, you just have to decide if it's worth the risk to you. Some will sample your corals, and some won't.

For bright fishes that swim and fit in a 40 breeder, look at flasher wrasses or smaller wrasses within the huge Halichoerus genus. Hawkfishes are larger, interesting fishes that would be fine in a 40 as well.

Thank you for the suggestion. I am looking more into fishes that have similar shape to Tangs and Angels, and like to nip on algae to clean corals just like Tangs that will fit into 40 gallons.

 

[nereefpat]

The two pygmy angels are good suggestions. The coral beauty and flameback both feed on algae and small benthic inverts in nature. The coral beauty gets about an inch larger than the flameback.

 

[scooter31707]

thanks guys! so Coral beauty or Flameback? Can they both be in the same tank? Will they fight?

I also heard they nip on corals What's other alternative that look similar but don't nip on corals?

You can stick both in there, but I guarantee you will end up with one.

 

[brett559]

I had a similar thought, but for me it was a dwarf angel substitution. Look at Starcki damsels. Gorgeous yellow/blue coloration - similar in shape to a small angel. I've had mine for a few months - he's been a great fish. Eats everything, no aggression. Very active.

 

[brett559]

And if you get a dwarf angel, get a flame angel. I've found them to be as good with corals as coral beauties, but much prettier IMO. I tried two flamebacks - both were nippers.

 

[canadianeh]

Thanks guys! I am hunting for a dwarf flame angel now. I agree they look much nicer than flameback and coral beauty IMO

 

[Mikee002]

Glad to see that coral beauties make this list... I like them and will definitely look at one for my 65g.

 

[marleesan]

I think for that size tank I would do a cherub or a pygmy. I have a cherub and it's beautiful

 

[canadianeh]

I think for that size tank I would do a cherub or a pygmy. I have a cherub and it's beautiful

are cherub and pygmy the same angelfish?
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+2730+455&pcatid=455

Do you have pic of your tank with the fish in it? Would love to see it.
Is he nipping on the corals?