African flame back angel reef safe?

[princess]

Does anybody have a african flame back in thier tank a friend of mine has one in his tank and says he has never had a problem with it nipping corals or clams are these fish known to be totally reef safe or are they like flame angels in that some will nip corals and some wont or are these fish totally reef safe

 

[tazdevil]

Here's an honest answer. Unknown. They can be, and yet they also could be a potential nibbler on various things. No angel is ever perfectly reef safe (uh oh, gonna get flamed now for sure!). It varies from individual to individual, with some species being less likely than others. In general, the pygmies (afrcian flame-back is one) are thought to be more reef safe than others. I have a flame angel in my 75, and the live rock is covered in many areas with tunicates/sea squirts, which apparently are irrisistable treats for angels. Well, could've fooled me, he hasn't even touched them. However, he does have a taste for some hair algae, and occasionally picks at some other leafy algae growing. Doesn't mess with the fanworm population either. Its your risk to take, I don't think that you shouldn't, but be ready to remove if necessary.

 

[princess]

Hey thanks for the info taz that is what i though that all angels are not totally reef safe but some are more of a risk than others just trying to get everyone's experience with these fish before i decide to add one or not to add one

 

[BBReefkeeper]

Ebee-
When I was researching pigmi angels I found an article in AFM which stated that african flam backs were the safest type of pigmi angels. I'd go for it!! The only reason I didn't is because my fish load is at the max.
Good Luck
Bryan

 

[esmithiii]

I had a bad experience w/ a pigmy angel that was supposedly reef-safe. If you are OK with the idea of removing your rock work to get him later, then go for it. I personally wouldn't risk it.

E