Anthias experts help!!!!

[dDrew]

65 gallon RR BB reef tank, mixed corals and inverts
nwb150 octopus protein skimmer, 950 gph return pump
mp10, koralia 2 powerheads

my only fish is a black clown, no more than two years old.

A. can i house anthias in my 65 gallon (36x18x24)?

If so..

B. What are some good species as far as ease, temperament, and beauty/color
C. How many can i house? i would like a trio, but i realize this may not work?
D. If only one or two, what sex?

 

[wireefman]

anthias like to be in groups ime the spieces Luzonichthys waitei can be houses in 60 gallons or more with really no issues.. they dont require the constant feeding of food like some of the others... so a small group of like 3 may work for you... i am getting 5 today from live aquaria for my 3x3 cube... if you add these fish make sure you dont have any boisterious tankmates... have only peaceful fish as tankmates...

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+20+1965&pcatid=1965



EDIT: im by no way an expert, just speaking on past experiances

 

[iamwhatiam52]

Glad you mentioned Luzonichthys waitei. I'd seen these on Live Aquaria and like that they are on the small side, figuring 5 would do well in my 180.


Not seeing much mentioned here about them I looked up Luzonichthys on saltcorner.com which had this to say:
"These elongated Anthias are called Splitfin Anthias and there are about six identified species, however, have little value as aquarium specimens. They are zooplankton feeders and form large shoals that inhabit current swept drop-off areas. Male and female do not differ in coloration."
Not a ringing endorsement.

What has been your experience with these in the past as far as hardiness?

 

[wireefman]

i had 5 of them in a previous tank, while they are not the most stunning of anthias in terms of looks they may just be my fav... i love the elongated thin missle type look, and trust me when spooked they can just fly... nice pink/purple sheen with yellow tips... i just added 5 today in my cube.

as far as hardiness i never had one die and sold my old ones off when i got divorced... great anthis imo

as far as feeding goes i put half cube of cyclps in the am, and the other half in the pm for feedings

 

[iamwhatiam52]

Thanks!
We don't see these mentioned much, so thank you for sharing your personal experience.

 

[dDrew]

I think i am going to try 3 of these.

 

[SDguy]

I've never personally tried to keep Luzonichthys species, but haven't heard great things... what little I've heard at all. If this is your first foray into keeping anthias, I'd pick something hardier. How about tierra anthias, Pseudanthias pulcherrimus?