Anthias

[TampaReefer79]

If I was to make my 375 Anthia dominated, how many do you think I could comfortably put in it? (tank is 8'x30"x30") I have a big skimmer and will feed as often as necessary. I'd also like to mix n match different Anthias, how well does that go over? Each type should only have 1 male in the tank right? Or is it 1 male per tank period?

Thanks!

 

[reef_doug]

20-25 1 male per type

 

[OrrG]

Going along with your tang advice I think Anthias need a 16 foot tank to do well. Sorry buddy, your tank isn't long enough for even one.

 

[CorkPullerPHL]

ouch.

funny none the less.

 

[SDguy]

IME, typically, different species don't interact much. You won't have much control over the number of males... some extras will develop no matter what.

 

[TampaReefer79]

Wow, you're right. 1 anthia in a 375 and what I advocate against...

...are the same thing. You really got me good that time.

 

[TampaReefer79]

20-25 1 male per type

IME, typically, different species don't interact much. You won't have much control over the number of males... some extras will develop no matter what.

Thanks for the USEFUL info guys!! If getting more than 1 male is inevitable, does it even matter then when purchasing? Or should I still try to buy as many females as possible? And IF there were 20-ish anthias in this tank, would more than 1 male cause problems? And if they don't interact between species, maybe I'll stick with only one. A display of 20-25 of the same anthia would probably be pretty cool, no?

 

[GhostCon1]

That's one hell of a pic... that tang looks so ****ed off it isn't funny. Is there a sailfin in that, too? I swear I see one in the reflection...

I've seen a few threads on anthias today, and it seems inevitable that you'll end up with more than one male, despite your purchasing powers to circumvent that, which, well... sucks.

 

[tozzi]

I think your fine with 20-25. Try to get only 1 male of each when you add them, but they willl turn sooner or later it always happens

 

[TampaReefer79]

That's one hell of a pic... that tang looks so ****ed off it isn't funny. Is there a sailfin in that, too? I swear I see one in the reflection...
I've seen a few threads on anthias today, and it seems inevitable that you'll end up with more than one male, despite your purchasing powers to circumvent that, which, well... sucks.

LOL, I didn't even notice that. You're right though, there's a sailfin behind the vlamingii.

 

[OrrG]

Haha. No hard feelings, glad you took it well. I understand how you feel abouts tangs in smaller tanks, just disagree with some of your thoughts.

That many Anthias will make for one killer dislplay! I have a male and female Lyretail in my 200 and the male is the meanest fish in there, he chases everyone.

 

[scubarob]

What type of anthias' are you adding and what sizes are they? I dive in Hawaii, christmas island, and palau and hav seen them in their natural habitat. What types did you have in mind?

 

[TampaReefer79]

Bartletts, Lyretails, Dispars, Ignitus, Respendent...

I'm really just tossing the idea around. I saw the thread that Snorvich started and it got my brain churning...sounds like a real nice display. If only one species would be best, which one would interact/look the best in your opinion?

 

[xxtriggermanxx]

like the hob filter as well !
As far as the anthias ,I would still try to get as many females as possible. i have four different types in my 265 that all get along . what types are you thinking of getting ?

 

[Yogre]

If you get females of each species, they WILL sort it out... nothing you can do about it.

I have lyretails (P.squamipinnis), and they're the most active and attractive fish in my tank. One has started "the change" and I look forward to watching it.

They can, however, be aggressive with each other to the point of death. I've had to remove the loser of a status battle to my LFS.

 

[SDguy]

I would just get all females. Whatever individuals need/can turn male, will.

 

[Bret61081]

Bartletts, Lyretails, Dispars, Ignitus, Respendent...

I'm really just tossing the idea around. I saw the thread that Snorvich started and it got my brain churning...sounds like a real nice display. If only one species would be best, which one would interact/look the best in your opinion?

Out of these the Dispars and Ignitus will not do well as the others are more aggressive. Ive seen Bartletts and Lyretails together and they make a beautiful display. Also look in to bicolor but they are on the aggressive side as well.

 

[reef_doug]

I have 3 bicolors and they are the mildest anthias ever. One is tiny compared to the other two and they all get along... the smallest is not picked on at all. I prefer bicolors over all the others for temperment and looks.

In that display, I would mix them though with Ignitus, dispar, lyretail. Barletts would be optional for me since you have the bicolors.

Agree in trying to get all small females if possible.

BTW... one midas blenny would be cool too with all the anthias.

 

[SDguy]

BTW... one midas blenny would be cool too with all the anthias.

My midas does NOT get along with my anthias at all. I thought it would (the whole color/mimicry theory). Anyone else?

 

[scubarob]

Bartletts, Lyretails, Dispars, Ignitus, Respendent...

I'm really just tossing the idea around. I saw the thread that Snorvich started and it got my brain churning...sounds like a real nice display. If only one species would be best, which one would interact/look the best in your opinion?

Ok the dispars and bartletts are pretty much found together in the wild from what I have observed in Xmas.... I would reccommend 20-30 total of these fish and get them all small-med size. Best is marshall islands bartletts because they genereally come in 1"- 1/2"smaller than the xmas bartletts. Does not mean that the quality is better... just that the acclimation from wild to captive tank will be less stressful on the fish. Run a moderate current in the tank and keep the temp at 77-78F as they can be sensitive to harsh conditions. Anthias usually school in the hundreds so the display should be pretty awesome. Sea Dwelling Creatures in LA, a major wholesaler, directly imports weekly from Majuro in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (they dropped a load of cash to establish a facility there and pay their divers dirt, but pay on time so they get cheap and constant supply); Therefore you ar best off getting small bartletts in from an LFS that purchases from Sea Dwelling. If you want larger bartletts then you want the xmas island bartletts and Quality Marine or High Bright USA are also good sources that can be utilized by your LFS.