Annularis Angel in a Mixed reef tank??

[shallowreef]

Hi,

I was curious because i am mainly confused on this subject. I would like to add an Annularis angel to my reef tank. I have read in one book and two websites that say may nip at corals. Yet three of the LFS that i frequent and trust all tell me that i should be fine and have no problems. So now what do i do? I have a lot of money invested in corals and don't feel like turning them into snacks over a fish.

Can i add this fish to my system or not?

Nick

 

[leebca]

`This large (or full sized) Angelfish, as an adult should be in a 200+ gallon aquarium.

Speaking in generalities, the large Angelfishes often eat parts of corals that are not offensive to them. They have been reported to 'nip' around the reef at the rate of 5 nips per minute during the entire daylight hours.

In the wild this fish prefers being an omnivore, though it leans towards the carnivore side of the spectrum. It is a bit of risk for a reef tank. I don't know all the inhabitants of your reef, which your LFSs might, so I don't know how to guide you. However, I do know that these fish have been reported to:
nip at sessile invertebrates;
pick at clam mantles;
eat less noxious corals (e.g., some LPS and Zoanthids)

Each fish has its own preferences. The above is in general.

You might get a different recommendation or advice from the LFS if you ask that they replace (for free) any coral lost to this fish eating or nipping at them, if you take the fish on their recommendation.

 

[shallowreef]

i doubt they will.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

The only large angel I have had luck with in a mixed tank is Pomacanthus navarchus , Blue girdled or Majestic angel. Have had three over the decades. Here is a few shots of a feeding frenzy with the four tangs, majestic angel and the yellow tail coris wrasse (barely reef safe).

 

[Tangee]

Mike, those are great shots. Do you see a lot of animosity between your purple and yellow tangs? I love that combination.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

They act like a school during feeding, rest of the time they each have their own cave. Never any pecking, slashing, bumping, or any form of fighting. Did take time for them to get accustomed to each other. First the yellow, followed by the sailfin and angel, then the hippo, and finally the purple. Used to also have a Sohal with them, he was a bit too pushy with all others at feeding times. (loved that fish anyway!)