Anyone keep centropyge multicolor/nahackyi?

[Len]

I had a C.multicolor in my reef for about 5 years. Annoying bugger that nipped all corals and killed an expensive and very behaved C.hotumatua. I never liked the fish much, and finally removed him a year ago. It's as hardy as all the Centropyge sp., and will eat whatever food you introduce, although inducing feeding behavior with live foods may be necessary at first. Not a bold fish, but not shy either (like C.aurantius). It's a bully of other Centropyges, however; moreso then other dwarf angels I've kept.

C.nahackyi is almost identical to C.multicolor in psyhiology and behavior. Some suggest it is a subspecies of C.multicolor. In any event, you're not likely to encounter this fishes in the aquarium trade. If you do, they're big buck items - hundreds of bucks at least. This is because they're endemic to Johnston's atoll in the Marshalls, with extremely few strays that get over to northern Hawaii.

 

[naesco]

Outstanding website, eh, Leonard

 

[tazdevil]

Has anyone had exp. keeping either of these dwarf angels? I have heard they are more difficult and wondering about other's exp. with this- what makes them difficult, and is it something you can overcome w/patience etc.

 

[tazdevil]

Leonard-isnt that the nature of all centropyges unless found as a mated pair-to basically fight to the death? How about keeping w/mushrooms-do they attack those as well? BTW nice web site.

 

[tazdevil]

Thanks for all the info, one more question- would you recommend any type of dwarf for a reef (flame,coral beauty,lemonpeel etc?)
BTw I think you may have a case of apparatophilia-the love of apparatuses!

 

[Len]

Personally, I'm anti-Centropyge for reef tanks. You may get lucky every now and then, but I don't think any species is trustworthy. Once in a while, you'll get a specimen that behaves for years, then suddenly goes berserk on corals and clams.

I like gadgets. But I only buy what I need

I don't think I have any "frivelous" equipment ATM.

 

[Len]

Yes; all Pomancanthids are aggressive towards other angels - some more so then others. C.multicolor is a pretty pugnacious fish and will actively seek out other angels to attack. Some angels, like the Golden dwarf, aren't as nasty (and usually choose to retreat rather then fight). Whatever the case may be, I'd never recommend more then one Centropyge in a tank anyhow.

As for mushrooms, I've never had a Centropyge nip at them, and am confident they're "mushroom safe." It's clams, LPS, and soft corals I'd be most concerned about.

Thanks for the kind words. I'm working to get a few more galleries up.