Zoas & fish compatibility

[zukharla]

I would love to have some Zoas in my tank but have refrained until now due to some of the fish in my community. I have a large Navarchus Angel and a Copperband Butterfly, both which I know can be Zoa destroyers. I have a variety of soft corals in there - Bubbles, Leathers, Corallimorphs, Lobos, Duncan, Xenia, etc - which neither fish has an interest in at all. Would this give me a good chance at successfully having Zoas or are they somewhat more appealing to these fish and it's just a matter of 'try and see'?

Any experiences or tips would be great. Thank you.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

I would love to have some Zoas in my tank but have refrained until now due to some of the fish in my community. I have a large Navarchus Angel and a Copperband Butterfly, both which I know can be Zoa destroyers. I have a variety of soft corals in there - Bubbles, Leathers, Corallimorphs, Lobos, Duncan, Xenia, etc - which neither fish has an interest in at all. Would this give me a good chance at successfully having Zoas or are they somewhat more appealing to these fish and it's just a matter of 'try and see'?

Any experiences or tips would be great. Thank you.

Hello and welcome to the zoa forum with your first post.

I think you answered your own question as I wouldn't trust either of those fish with zoanthids.

You will hear of those who have had a fish for years and they haven't touched a polyp and you will feel perfectly safe with that fish even though others have witnessed it devouring zoas. Me personally, if I read one testimonial or read just one account in literature of them consuming zoas, that's enough for me. To be very honest, any fish can become suspect. All it takes is one nip, just one taste, and they will mow down the rock overnight. I have seen it and heard about it right here and in many other venues many many times. Whatever you choose, be sure to keep it very well fed or an ample suppply of its food source in tank. Just my 2 cents. There are many other threads here to read on this toipic, just do a quick search to the right or just Google your question, tons of info in both places.


Check out these links


http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1852064&highlight=fish+to+avoid

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1989855&highlight=reef+safe+fish

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1865294&highlight=reef+safe+fish

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1573212&highlight=reef+safe+fish

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1484903&highlight=reef+safe+fish



BTW, you could also make an intoduction in one of the threads below if you'd like, not mandatory, just an offering.



http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1345903

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1983452

Again, welcome.


MUCHO REEF

 

[mallorieGgator]

I would think that if they aren't touching the Xenia, they won't eat zoas. If you really want to try, I would get a cheaper piece from the lfs and add it to the tank with lights out and if possible, while the fish are sleeping. Make sure to dip your new zoas first and look for nudibranchs, aptaisia, and any other irritants on the zoas. I dip in coral revive, others use iodine. I prefer revive coral cleaner bc it's less harsh. If the zoas look upset at the lfs, I would pass them up. You want them healthy and opened that way you will be able to tell if your fish are picking at them. Good luck!

 

[Gamepro_inc]

I agree with ^^

I would get a cheap frag from the LFs in healthy state and try it out, I am not sure about the angel but I have a friend with a CBB and he cant have zoes at all it doesnt go for the Zenia b/c they have a very nasty taste to fish (I dont know how they know this, did scientist taste it themselves?:lol

 

[zukharla]

Thanks for the tips, guys. I guess I've been really lucky with my the two fish I have so far in regards to coral nipping! I have a friend with a large Navarchus in his reef aswell and he said the Angel mowed half his Zoas then abruptly stopped and hasnt touched them since and it's been years. Weird how fish are sometimes, hey? I might try a small, cheap frag and see what happens.

 

[SIR PATRICK]

I see a risk in those fish....but its only a risk.

I say give it a shot, and watch carfully. Hit or miss is exactly that- can go either way, and at any time.

I wouldnt go and spend hundreds on zoas right away, but you could be safe giving some polyps a try with those fish.

Just remember- a iffy fish can change at any time....but I say give it a shot, if you are really wanting to keep some polyps.

 

[zukharla]

Thanks Patrick. I saw some really nice Zoas at the LFS today but they were so pretty I didn't want to risk killing them, ha! So I got some really nice aqua Corallimorphs instead. When I find some 'drab' zoas, I'll pick them up for a go.

 

[DEEC77]

I had a majestic for 8 years. He was a model citizen for 6 in my reef tank. Then I had to set up a new tank for him. It may not happen right away but it may happen. I'd choose which I like better the fish or the coral.

~Dee~

 

[Scopus Tang]

I personally would not mix them. Larger angels are notorious for eating polyps, and the butterflies are known for consuming aiptasia, which really aren't that different from polyps. As Mucho said, some will say they have had good luck with both. Like Dee, I agree you should choose to keep one or the other.

 

[zukharla]

Well I definately like the fish better so I'll stick with the Angel. At a later stage, I may set up another reef tank and get some there. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[DEEC77]

Your welcome. Good choice

~Dee~

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Wow, much respect to everyone who replied to this thread. This is a prime example of how this forum works and should work. There were multiple views and opinions, and within 10 replies, the OP had a definitive answer to suit his/her needs based upon a clear defined and well presented question. Two thumbs up everybody, this was totally awesome, :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Mucho Reef :dance: