[melancthon]

As I've about given up on owning any sort of tang because I'm not sure my 100-year old floor will handle 180 gallons , how compatible are different species of dwarf angelfish? What tank size would be appropriate for them? I'm wary of taking any sort of retailer's word for it after I was told a tang would do just fine in a 55...

[leebca]

Putting Dwarf Angelfish together has had mixed results. There are some generalities I'll share with you (below) but there is always an unknown factor. This 'unknown factor' is the personality.

The one Dwarf Angel personality I have had more difficulty with is the Flame Angel. Many people want it for its brilliant color, but it tends to pick on other fish its size or smaller, including other Dwarf Angels (DAs).

A factor to getting some DAs to live together is landscaping. The aquascape needs to have a design that disrupts the line of vision of the fish in the tank. Let's see if I can make this clear. The rocks should be placed so that a fish in the right-third of the tank doesn't have a straight view the length of the tank to the left-third section. In this way the fish can be in the open when they want, yet not be in each other's view. For larger/longer tanks having multiple breaks in the line of vision can be accomplished.

Next the scape has to have many hiding places. These DAs start off usually very shy. Some remain shy, others become more bold from confidence and familiarity with the owner and surroundings.

Next, their introduction to the display tank is of a concern. If too much time is allowed between additions (i.e., 6 months or more) then there will be territorial issues for sure. Below this timer there are opportunities for improved success. Introducing them within a few weeks of each other or preferably at the same time provides the greatest likelihood they will get along. This requires multiple QTs set up. If this isn't practical, then introduce the least assertive/aggressive first, going up the line to the most assertive/aggressive, in the shortest time frame.

I would put the Flame Angel near the top of the assertive/aggressive list. The Singapore Angel (one of my favs) and the African Flameback are near the bottom of this list.

Avoid putting species together that have similar markings and/or colors. For instance, I'd avoid putting the Flame with the Fisher.

As to aquarium size -- it depends upon the number of DAs you want. One in a 48 inch long aquarium is recommended. Two in a 65 inch long and up to three in 80 inches is comfortable. I have two in my 180 and three in my 300. Aquascaping, choices and introduction are important factors.

Hope this helps!