I have yet to add to my aquarium and they will be plenty. I'd say the overriding thought for me is....Captive Bred...just take a look at what Biota is doing.We have seen many changes in the industry and the availability and non-availability of certain fish. One that has been available has been the group - Dwarf Angels. They come in many types and many Morphs. The big controversy with them often is if they will work in my nano tank or are reef safe or can they be mixed. This is a mystery for many as I have a Potters-flame and coral beauty for going on 4 years and the potters has his own hold. Yes Occasionally the flame and coral beauty squabble but overall, they cohabitate well together.
There are tiny such as Cherub angel and pepppermint angel, common such as Flame, coral beauty, golden angel, Eibli , Japanese, half black, rusty, Flameback and Larger such as lemon Peel, Bi-color, Heralds and others.
Many say they are reef safe while others state they raise havoc in their tanks and most are regarded as " Reef Safe Caution" Many reefers state to keep them feed well and they will not bother coral. Issue is- Many have a coral appetite and will exercise that right. The other suggestion is to keep them in pairs and they will not bother coral. A pair may slow down with eating coral but it's like saying having two siblings and they will not ask for candy.
Most of the common dwarf angels will attain a size of 3- 3.5" in length, Cherub at about 2 1/4" and larger like bi-color reaching 4-5 inches. One great thing that can be said - Rarely if ever do they attack other fish in the tank making them great additions. Again regarding coral, the best that can be said- many are willing to take the chance with them as I have, BUT . . .. . Be prepared to remove a certain coral if they start nibbling on it OR have a fish trap available in the event, they go haywire nibbling coral. Afterall, they are known grazers and grazing fish pick at anything that attract their interest.
They are also hardy fish making them easy to feed. As mentioned, they are grazers, so film algae is welcomed in their tank as is small plankton, Brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, chopped krill, seaweed and some sponge and even clams. When purchased, MAKE SURE they are eating and I state eating, not nibbling which reduces possibility they will leave coral alone. If they are nibbling at LFS, they will likely have an interest in nibbling at coral. We cant predict a certain fish's' behavior but we can take certain precautions.
Do you have dwarf angel(s) ? If so, what type?
What has been your positive and negative experience with them?
Which is/are your favorites? (feel free to post pics)
Yep - those lemon peels !!!
I was a bit worried about getting one because I'd heard all kinds of horror stories about their refusal to feed. Boo was quite small when I introduced her to the tank, and she was an enthusiastic feeder from day one. I've since read that the smaller ones have a better chance of survival. Dunno if this helps.
