anthias trio - your opinion please

[StrategicReef]

I just ordered the bartlett's anthias trio (1 male 2 female) from diver's den.
I already have 1 existing bartlett's anthias in the tank (I was hoping the total of 1 male 3 female)

I asked for a sex ID on the forums and someone said she was about to be transformed into male. If this is true do you think this will be a problem. My tank is 4 ft, 80 Gallons.

Here is a picture of my existing Bartlett

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=11333169#post11333169

 

[dfs/la2]

StrategicReef,

Thank you for contacting us with your question. In Scott Michael’s Reef Fishes Volume 1 Book on page 556 it states the differences between the males and females on the Bartlett’s Anthias. The female Bartlett’s Anthias have a yellow back and caudal fin with a lavender body. There is a narrow violet line on the top of the head, along the anterior dorsal fin base. Males are violet with a yellow band starting just behind the eye, running along the back, and onto the upper caudal lobe. The lower caudal lobe is also bright yellow.

If you have one that is in the process of changing into a male we do not recommend it as two males will fight. You may want to donate your current Anthias to either a friend or a school that has a reef tank. Please contact us and let us know how you would like to proceed with your order either by phone 1-800-334-3699 or PM us your order information. If you are interested in this helpful book here is a link to it on our website:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...llpartial&Ntk=All&N=2004&Ntt=reef fishes&Np=1

We hope this information is helpful.

Stacie R
Technical Support
Drs Foster and Smith

 

[StrategicReef]

Thank you for your help, I think I will have you proceed with the order to ship next monday.

I will put them in and observe carefully. I have to rearrange some rocks in a few weeks so I would know more by then and it would not be difficult to remove the offender if it is indeed has changed to male.