Do French Angel's eat all types of coral?

[wallysworld]

I had fishonly for many years. After setting up my 125 reef I have the urge to get another French Angel although I know they eat coral. The question is do they eat all types of coral or is it just a specific type or species?

Thanks,
Walter

 

[marrone]

Most will probably go after Zoas and Clams but there really isn't any coral that could be considered safe. Also a 125gal reef tank is on the small side for a French Angel.

 

[daisy]

French Angels grow to the size of a large dinner-plate. They are one of my favorite fishes to watch when I am diving.... How big did the one you had before get?

 

[wallysworld]

The one I had was bought when he was the size of a dime. I had him for 11 years in a 125. I donated him to the Atlantis Marine World when they first opened about 9 or 10 years ago. He was there in the wreck tank for about 4 years then shipped to the Baltimore aquarium. Haven't had a chance to go visit since he went to Baltimore. I hope he is still alive! I do know for sure he was at least 15 when AMW sent him to Baltimore.

marrone, you are right I had to eventually give him up but it took 11 years for him to out grow the 125.

I am thinking about a 220 fish only or maybe a 300 next year. It would be good to have along with the reef because any fish changing their feeding habits (small angels...) could just be relocated to the FO tank.

Thanks,
Walter

 

[daisy]

Walter - what a GREAT story!!! That is so cool! Perhaps I saw him in the aquaria he has lived at.... Best of luck!

 

[wallysworld]

Thanks Daisy.

I can't wait to get another French Angel. What I would really love is to get two that are juvi's and raise them together in the biggest tank I can fit in my house. I always see them in pairs diving in Aruba. Who knows maybe I'll catch some this year netting in the fall.

-Walter

 

[marrone]

marrone, you are right I had to eventually give him up but it took 11 years for him to out grow the 125.

If it took 11 years to out a 125gal tank then you weren't feeding it enough or correctly. Either that or you had it quite cram in that tank.

 

[scubabr53]

Years ago I use to net "Frenches" this is how I call French Angels. Since the new " no liquids aboard" airlines regulation were put in place I stopped bringing life fish. I use to place fish in the small buckets and carry buckets on the plane. In addition I used battery operated air pump to provide air and keep water quality acceptable for the fish to survive the flight. Now days while I am diving or snorkeling I only drool when I see a nice fish specimen poking my hands willing to migrate to NY. Unfortunately their immigration visa is closed.
When I read Walters respond I remember the times and wanted to ask him a question. Do you see French Angels here in NY area? I heard stories of people catching small Lion Fish at Shinnecock Bay but never heard of French Angels being cot here.

 

[NYPDFrogman]

yes they do come up in the gulf stream I have seen small french and gray angels off Rockaway,

I caught one about 18 years ago off beach 8th street about size of a nickel
he grew to about 2" when I gave him away

 

[juiceguy]

french angels love LPS corals.....anything that is fleshy they will devour

 

[wallysworld]

If it took 11 years to out a 125gal tank then you weren't feeding it enough or correctly. Either that or you had it quite cram in that tank.

Well that's a matter of opinion. Since fish use much more of their diet for growth than we do they do not require (in an aquarium) as much food as they do in the wild. Call me crazy but a fish in an aquarium for 11 plus years is not so bad. He was healthy enough to take on a clown trigger bigger then he...

Can't stand when people speak in absolutes. There way is the only way...