2 Male Anthias?

[smsadmin]

I introduced 3 lyretails about 5 months ago and soon after one began transforming to be the male. He turned from bright orange like the other two to a very pretty purple color. For the last few weeks however he has been spending most of his time with a cleaner shrimp under a ledge. Rarely comes out at all. When he does he appears healthy though. Yesterday I notice one of the others turning purple.

Having two males is not a good thing right?

Could something be wrong with the original male?

Any steps I need to do to?

This is my first experience with Anthias so any advice is appreciated!

Thanks,

Ken

 

[JackandJill]

From my understanding two males without an proportionately large amount of females will end in a fight and one or no surviving males.

The only thing I can think of is to remove one of the males and add another female, or just keep the pair.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Or add more females. Multiple males can be in the same tank if there are enough females for each to have their own harem of about 5 or so females.

That being said, your first male was not asserting itself enough. If female anthias are not being chased/ diplayed to enough they will begin the transformation to male.

 

[smsadmin]

It is a 240g Long 96X24X25. I really like them so I may try and add more females. Other tank mates include Blond Naso tang, blue hippo tang, yellow tang, sailfin tang, Kole tang, marine beta. and leopard wrasse. I think I have plenty of room to add a couple more.

On a side note, during feeding time tonight the one that is hiding came out and I got a pretty good look at him and he seams to be much 'whiter' than he was. I really feel like he is sick. Went right back to his spot with cleaner shrimp after eating.

 

[davocean]

I had a lyretail stuck in transition nearly a year before it made the complete change.
The two males existed w/ what seemed to be little aggression if any, but after a few months the new male took over and the old just disappeared.

 

[smsadmin]

I don't want him disappearing so hopefully I can get a couple more pretty quickly since I think I have the room for them.