Flame Angels...reef safe???

[tired_boy_mike]

So i went to the local fish store to buy a flame angel for my tank. I think flame angels are one of the prettiest fishes around. I always thought they were safe for a reef tank.
So the owner at the lfs tells me flame angels are not safe for reef tanks, that they pick on coral, may eat small hermit crabs and things like that.
I wanted to get a second opinion from this forum.
thanks.
tired_boy_mike
100 gallon tank
100 lbs live rock
30-40 scarlet/blue leg hermit
30 turbo snail
2 cleaner shrimp
10 emerald crab
1 sallie lightfoot
1 purple tang
2 percula clown
1 anthias
2 anenome

 

[newreefers]

mine is reef safe, but each fish has his own personality and the next one may not be safe. I know this doesn't help but just my opinion. I also make sure mine has plenty to eat so he is never picking at the coral for food.

 

[frink]

I've heard the same thing about flames. It is pretty much luck if you get one that is reefsafe. Does anybody know what types of corals they pick at. I want one bad too.

 

[bang guy]

I think it's wonderful you have such a good LFS.
Flames are prone to nipping Clams and LPS. I'd give it about a 50/50 chance that it will start nipping.

 

[tired_boy_mike]

50/50 chance?
That is enough to scare me away from buying one. I think I'll play it safe and stay away from the flame angel. To bad that is one of the prettiest fish around.

 

[flamingkingofhe]

i have had two flames and two coral beauties never had either nip at corals

 

[richard rendos]

I have one that is over 4 years old...never bothers anything. I have heard others with horror stories about them....you have about a 50/50 chance with a flame.