Anthias dilemma

[Ruskin]

So, I've always been fascinated with Anthias, and now after looking through the Anthias thread, I'm setting off to choose the right species for our tank.

120g that's been up since Nov. 07. I have a closed canopy, DSB and plenty of free swimming space (about 160lbs of rock). First off, knowing that Anthias need clean stable water, am I ready for that? my nitrates, nitrites and Ammonia all read 0. Is 6 months enough time to have waited for Anthias?

Tank inhabitants are currently 2 Occ. Clowns, 1 Pearly Jawfish, and a Magnicient Foxface. I'd like to stay along those same lines with relatively peaceful tankmates as future addtions as well.

My choice's (so far!) are Lyretails and Bicolours (with Dispar close behind lol) Is either choice a better one based on my tank setup, or thier traits? Whats a good number to go with, considering I will purchase all females and let them sort it out. Thinking 4 so I'll have 1 male and 3 females when it's done.

Sorry for the long post, just thought i'd get as much info out there as possible.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Chibils]

4 sounds good. I'd go with bicolor, since lyretails get really big. The males are absolutely stunning, though.

Dispars get really washed out with bluer lighting, but are gorgeous nonetheless.

 

[SDguy]

Actually, bicolors get bigger, not to mention I always see them imported pretty big to begin with. Sexing them can be a pain. They are pretty scrappy too, at least as much as lyretails.

I'd go with lyretails...proven track records in captivity.

 

[mrwilson]

I actually just picked up a bicolor (male) recently, and it is quite large (probably 5", and pretty fat, too). It is likely to be my tank's last addition, and a good thing too, because it is already showing the other inhabitants that the new boss has arrived. Really beautiful fish, though, and in my opinion a bit more interesting and pretty than female lyretails (male lyretails are quite striking, however). But as Peter mentions, bicolors don't have nearly the proven track record of lyretails.

 

[cl2ysta1]

the main thing you need to get ready for is how much you have to feed them.. mine get about 20 small meals a day which is on the high end but they are used to eating small frequent meals

 

[Ruskin]

Thanks for all the info everyone. I be sure to get some pictures up no matter what I settle on. Crystal, that seems to be a lot of feedings! You must have some plump fish lol!

Would i be ok with 3 feedings per day? That's what i currently feed @ and thought about doing with the anthias. Im sure I can add in a few more feedings a day of something more convineint to bring the number up. I've read Anthias enjoy certain small pellet food also, so maybe i can increase feedings with those.

Thanks again,
Matt

 

[falconut]

I have had Lyretails going on 3 years now. I started with a single male, but lost it after a year to a power failure. And now have a converted female and a female, over two years.

I only feed once a day. And only on occational days do I feed a second time. I just make sure the single feeding is heavy. And none of my fish ever look skinny. So, the Lyretails can handle your feeding schedule. I would go with the Lyretails, too because I believe they're the easiest anthias and they are more readily available and costly.

My coverted female is not nearly as colorful as some of the LFS males, but it still looks beautiful. Mine also took almost 1-1/2 years to develop the male markings. Maybe with more females the colors would develop quicker and brighter.

 

[SDguy]

Yeah, most of the hardier anthias species really can get by with fewer feedings once established. It's only during that freshly imported period that they require small, multiple feedings, since they just aren't used to eating a lot at once, IME.