Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Dear Sir,
At present I have a mixed 50/50 tank of fish, and some corals. What I would like you to know is that I have recently purchased an emperor angel fish (juvenile) and have now read that in time as he reaches adulthood, he will devour my corals. Is there any way I can stop him from doing such a thing or is there any invertebrate out there that he will not touch and still have a tank with some corals.
With Thanks,
Lee Andrews - England
Dear Lee,
Thanks for your inquiry and as for changing feeding and disposition characteristics that have been built-in for centuries, such an endeavor is not feasible. However, depending upon the size of your aquarium, which should at least be 100 gallons for this type fish, you might limit certain types of invertebrate that this species would normally damage, such as zoanthids, mushrooms, and large polyped soft and stony corals. Small polyped stony corals, if you have the necessary environmental conditions, is a possibility.
Keep in mind you want to provide copious amounts of its favorite foodstuffs, such as diced fish/shrimp flesh and prepared foods containing sponge and algae matter. Could be, with numerous small feedings per day, it might become somewhat content and not forge on some corals. Yet, the nature of the animal is to continuously look for food and/or a mate, and even if well fed, it could still damage some of your corals.
And be aware that adults are prone to color loss or head and lateral line erosion, so be sure to feed HUFA enriched foods whenever feasible.
Cheers,
Bob Goemans
