Coral Beauty Angelfish Question

[Alex A]

Hi Everyone,

Had a question about the Coral Beauty Angelfish. I purchased one this weekend for my reef tank as I wanted something with good action to replace the tang I lost last week. It is a really nice specimen with great coloring and temper so far - does not bother the clams or SPS and actively grazes off teh rocks. Seems I picked a "shy-upon-arrival" specimen as in the LFS, it was out swimming in the open. Granted, they only had it in a 20 gallon tank with a few rocks in the background. Guy said it would be great for veiwing. Mine seems to hang in the cave and under ledges since introduction. So the question is: In your experience, is this the norm for these guys? If you have one, what, if anything can help bring them out for viewing pleasure. Most websites state: "Many Coral Beauty Angels spend little time in hiding, making them visible in your aquarium to amuse you with their beauty and activity" Or "Provide Lot's of live rock for hiding and he may spend most of their time in the open". I haven't noticed this yet, but I only got him Sat. I have plenty of live rock, caves, ledges, pinnacles, etc. Fish Tank mates are: pair of true percs., blue mandarin goby and a fairy baslet - nothing that would bother or stress it. Lighting is very different, he was in weak PC's in the LFS, I have a 250w Halide in 15K and 2 65w 420 nm power compacts. I know the whole, it takes time :irked: for them to adjust could probably be applied here, but still, any thoughts hints or tricks would be appreciated! Thanks!!!

 

[albano]

Hi Everyone,

Had a question about the Coral Beauty Angelfish. I purchased one this weekend for my reef tank as I wanted something with good action to replace the tang I lost last week. It is a really nice specimen with great coloring and temper so far - does not bother the clams or SPS and actively grazes off teh rocks. Seems I picked a "shy-upon-arrival" specimen as in the LFS, it was out swimming in the open. Granted, they only had it in a 20 gallon tank with a few rocks in the background. Guy said it would be great for veiwing. Mine seems to hang in the cave and under ledges since introduction. So the question is: In your experience, is this the norm for these guys? If you have one, what, if anything can help bring them out for viewing pleasure. Most websites state: "Many Coral Beauty Angels spend little time in hiding, making them visible in your aquarium to amuse you with their beauty and activity" Or "Provide Lot's of live rock for hiding and he may spend most of their time in the open". I haven't noticed this yet, but I only got him Sat. Fish Tank mates are: pair of true percs., blue mandarin goby and a fairy baslet - nothing that would bother or stress it. I know the whole, it takes time :irked: for them to adjust could probably be applied here, but still, any thoughts hints or tricks would be appreciated! Thanks!!!

And therein lies the truth.

 

[Alex A]

And therein lies the truth.

Thank you. Forgot to originally mention (but just edited to say) The lighting difference is apparent. He was in weak CF's and I have a 250 w halide with 2 65w power compacts. Kept that MH off on day 1, and 1/2 cycle on day 2. Today, day 3 is his first full day experiencing it. Thinking the acclimation to this is what is causing him to stay in the shadow. But he is very active in those shadows, I just need to sit inches away from the tank to see him...

 

[MGR201]

Hi Everyone,

Had a question about the Coral Beauty Angelfish. I purchased one this weekend for my reef tank as I wanted something with good action to replace the tang I lost last week. It is a really nice specimen with great coloring and temper so far - does not bother the clams or SPS and actively grazes off teh rocks. Seems I picked a "shy-upon-arrival" specimen as in the LFS, it was out swimming in the open. Granted, they only had it in a 20 gallon tank with a few rocks in the background. Guy said it would be great for veiwing. Mine seems to hang in the cave and under ledges since introduction. So the question is: In your experience, is this the norm for these guys? If you have one, what, if anything can help bring them out for viewing pleasure. Most websites state: "Many Coral Beauty Angels spend little time in hiding, making them visible in your aquarium to amuse you with their beauty and activity" Or "Provide Lot's of live rock for hiding and he may spend most of their time in the open". I haven't noticed this yet, but I only got him Sat. I have plenty of live rock, caves, ledges, pinnacles, etc. Fish Tank mates are: pair of true percs., blue mandarin goby and a fairy baslet - nothing that would bother or stress it. Lighting is very different, he was in weak PC's in the LFS, I have a 250w Halide in 15K and 2 65w 420 nm power compacts. I know the whole, it takes time :irked: for them to adjust could probably be applied here, but still, any thoughts hints or tricks would be appreciated! Thanks!!!

Having observed many specimens while diving the Great Barrier Reef, I find that Coral Beauties tend to prefer spending time among coral heads and rock outcroppings and often tend to be shy (and therefore challenging to photograph). Once acclimated in a fish tank, however, I'm sure it will become more bold but remember that a Coral Beauty isn't a triggerfish and probably won't come to the surface whenever you approach.

 

[Alex A]

Having observed many specimens while diving the Great Barrier Reef, I find that Coral Beauties tend to prefer spending time among coral heads and rock outcroppings and often tend to be shy (and therefore challenging to photograph). Once acclimated in a fish tank, however, I'm sure it will become more bold but remember that a Coral Beauty isn't a triggerfish and probably won't come to the surface whenever you approach.

I too, have seen many while diving in Fiji and the Solomon Islands and had quite a few that would pose for my camera in Fiji. Never would I consider behavior in the wild as what I would see at home, but nonetheless, I would like to be able to get a few minutes a day with it in the open. I can see it is getting a little more comfortable as the days go by, so that is a plus. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. My avatar and sig. are pictures of me from my last trip to Fiji in 2009 and signature is Bonaire in 2009 or 2010, can?t recall which year it was from as I head there once per summer.