Flame Angels

Dani · 04-28-2005, 10:10 PM

I've been looking at these fish and am thinking about purchasing one. Just wondering what kinda experience y'all have had with these and some questions:

I've been told they are reef-friendly WITH CAUTION. What exactly does this mean? Some are and some aren't? If they're feed enough they'll leave corals alone?

I've also heard that they should be the last fish you add to your aquarium because they will bother any fish added after themselves. Is this true?

When you are at the lfs, what do you look for in fish? (Other than looking in good health obviously) Is there any patterns you can see in observation about their temperment?

Any help/advice/opinions would be SO helpful here. Thanks

Disco_Jr · 04-28-2005, 10:41 PM

just got my flame angel today

mine was in someone elses tank for over 2 years and never niped at the corals

the ppl at the lfs said that 1 out of 10 will nip ( eat ) corals

dont have too much other info
but i love that fish

Dani · 04-28-2005, 10:43 PM

Thanks for the help. they're beautiful, i can't wait to get one

Disco_Jr · 04-28-2005, 11:05 PM

just had to add the pic

VWD · 04-29-2005, 07:12 AM

Very nice

Vince

DIY_Jeff · 04-29-2005, 07:45 AM

I had a much different experience with a Flame Angel... not only did he constantly pick at my wellso, he was a clam picker.

I tried to capture him for days with no luck. I ended up removing 75% of the LR to get him.

I LOVE the look of a Flame Angel, but I won't ever take the chance of putting one in a reef tank again.

I was always under the impression Flame Angel's were a 50/50 chance. If it's 1 in 10, I am pretty unlucky.

Disco_Jr · 04-29-2005, 08:28 AM

well its a 1 out of 10 that they will eat the corals with in a few days of being put in the tank ...and from what i understand i think that some of them will not eat corals and then a few months later just start eating niping the corals

i was lucky enough to get one that had been owned by someone that had him for over 2 years and he never nipped at the corals in his tank... he ended up back at the lfs b/c his owner moved to another state....

Disco_Jr · 04-29-2005, 08:33 AM

this is just me but i look for the fish that swim up to you when you are looking at them .... i would rather have a fish that responds to you and will not hide 90% of the time ... then one that looks great but you will never see it ..

DIY_Jeff · 04-29-2005, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco_Jr

well its a 1 out of 10 that they will eat the corals with in a few days of being put in the tank ...and from what i understand i think that some of them will not eat corals and then a few months later just start eating niping the corals

Exactly what happened to me. He was fine for months... It was like an over night change...

Dani · 04-29-2005, 03:53 PM

Wow that's too bad. And he was getting enough food?

DIY_Jeff · 04-29-2005, 08:12 PM

I would imagine so. I do not feed heavily by any means. I feed enough to keep them healthy and happy.

I feed every other day - and they always provide a nice variety of food. The Flame Angel was an aggressive eater, so he always got a lot.

It was really like an overnight change. The fish was beautiful and I didn't want to remove him... The focus of my tank is coral - so it had to go.

As long are OK with the idea that you may have to take your tank apart to catch it.... Then I would say go for it.

Otherwise stay away.

btang · 04-29-2005, 09:53 PM

Looks like I may be having a problem with mine eating my Star polyps. At least I think its him.

wharyat · 04-29-2005, 10:59 PM

Just posted in btang's thread about this.

I say don't go with a flame if you are or plan to keep any corals/clams. Mine was in about three months before I noticed a a perfect bite out of my clams mantle. Needless to say he was gone that day.

toms · 04-30-2005, 09:21 AM

I must have a "veggie flame". I have had him for over a year with clams, LPS' and softies with no ill effects. He/she goes crazy for the dried sheets of green algae along with my Yellow tang. The yellow is the boss of the tank and has quite an attitude but seems to be quite friendly to the flame. My Royal Gramma is quite independent and they all get along fine. I would love to remove the yellow so I can add a couple of smaller fish. This might make the flame more agressive though since he seems to be next in line for the throne.