Thoughts on Bicolor or Lemonpeel angels?

[Romewhip]

There is a major tank upgrade in my future, going to a 50g tank from my nanos. I would like to add either a bicolor or lemonpeel dwarf angel to my tank when set up and ready, but I have softys. What are some experiences with either of these fish nipping at or eating soft corals, zoas, and polyps? Does it depend on the individual fish, the environment, or do they all nip regardless? Are any of the other dwarf angels such as a coral beauty or flame less likely to snack on soft corals?

 

[mfinn]

They all nip to a certain extent and that's all right, atleast in my tanks. It's when they go back time and time again at the same place and damage a coral.
I haven't seen any coral eating by many of the centropyge angels I've had.

 

[MrGone]

I've been having troubles with my bi-color and my open brain. Lately I've had to move the brain to the sump because the bi-color will nip at it and it will deflate. I'm also afraid of my bi-color around clams, I don't really want to buy a clam and find out the hard way. All in all he does well, will occasionally nip at a purple birdsnest but not enough to really bug it. I have a flame angel as well and it seems to do better (is more interested in nipping at the rocks/substrate/seaswirls than anything.

If I can ever catch the bi-color I will remove him from my reef tank. He is a cool fish but I like my open brain and that's kind of the point of having a reef tank. I was really hoping I could have him, a potters and flame in the same tank and not have issues with corals or each other but that is a tall order.

I've heard coral beauties do well but I think everyone will agree it's hit and miss, or even a matter of time.

 

[NC2WA]

personally, I would choose a flame over all other angels mentioned here...I have 2 in my tank and so far so good..no nipping I can see.

 

[returnofsid]

Bi-Colors and Lemon Peels are notorious for being the WORST, when it comes to nipping corals.

 

[waterbox]

Bi-Colors and Lemon Peels are notorious for being the WORST, when it comes to nipping corals.

Agreed. Bicolors and Lemonpeels are the worst centropyge to keep in a reef. Flames and Potters are some of the better ones.

 

[ango917]

agree with the two above posts. i would go with a flame.

 

[Holygral]

It is dependent on each individual fish. I have had a Bi Color for 4 years and a claim in a mixed reef and have never had a problem. I have seen my SailFin tear Xenia's apart and eat them. And he is very well fed. He will do it for a week and then stop and them maybe repeat months later.

 

[Romewhip]

Bi-Colors and Lemon Peels are notorious for being the WORST, when it comes to nipping corals.

Figures, since those are the two I like the best. Ah well, time to think again.

I don't have a problem with occasional nipping, nor would I have a problem with occasional mowing of the xenia patch. I would have a problem with constant picking, or constant mowing, and I'd really hate for some of my favorite things to get munched.