experience with Square back Anthias?

[aquaph8]

Just have a few ?s I have a female in my DT right now thats doing awesome. My question is will she turn male being by herself or only if there is other females around? Also, what are my chances of adding one or two more in the future? Will she allow it? Would a male or female be better? Really any info on the subject would be awesome. Please share all experience with this fish you have. Remember threads are more fun with pics and if you have a question yourself feel free to hijack at anytime.

 

[Dante_JoseCuerv]

I haven't personally kept them but from what I've heard (and in a second-hand way seen) is that they're rather boisterous and somewhat aggressive.

 

[aquaph8]

She doesn't really attack anyone but doesn't take any crap either. I haven't added any fish since her though, so I guess I will see how that goes.

 

[mark0933]

I purchased 4 (1M and 3F) several months ago - the male refused to eat and perished, so now I have 3 females, and so far, although there is a definite pecking order, none have looked like they are turning male (in outward appearance anyway).

I was actually going to post a question if anyone had ever seen a female square change to a male coloration, so maybe I can tag along on your post.

As for my 3, they are aggressive as anthias go, but only among each other - no aggression to any other species (or shrimp) so far (chromis, wrasses, tangs, angels, Xhatch triggers and dottybacks are all in my tank)

Mark

 

[aquaph8]

Thanks for your experiences, your more than welcome to tag along. Mark feel free to hijack at any time.

 

[jimroth]

Just have a few ?s I have a female in my DT right now thats doing awesome. My question is will she turn male being by herself or only if there is other females around? Also, what are my chances of adding one or two more in the future? Will she allow it? Would a male or female be better? Really any info on the subject would be awesome. Please share all experience with this fish you have. Remember threads are more fun with pics and if you have a question yourself feel free to hijack at anytime.

I had several F's and 1 M for a year or so. The lesser Fs died over time, and then the male died. The remaining F started to transform but she's kind of stuck in the middle, vaguely pinky orange, with some lengthening of the dorsal spine. Still a very nice fish. I wonder if I got another F if she would change more. And I wonder what would happen if I got a new male.

BTW the male was glorious in color when I got him and gradually faded. I think they may need some food we're not giving them.

 

[curlykid]

actually, squarespots loose color because of intense lighting. they are mostly deepwater fish, and have to be acclimated slowly to high light. but, they will still lose coloration. also, i thought they weren't sex-changers? (sorry, couldn't think of scientific word. lol)

 

[aquaph8]

actually, squarespots loose color because of intense lighting. they are mostly deepwater fish, and have to be acclimated slowly to high light. but, they will still lose coloration. also, i thought they weren't sex-changers? (sorry, couldn't think of scientific word. lol)

I believe that all anthias are hermafradites.( sorry I cant spell that word )

 

[aquaph8]

nobody has these

 

[LukFox]

I had a male and 2 females years ago. The females ended up killing each other. They were very, very aggressive to each other and would lock jaws and just harass the crap out of each other. The male never got involved in this. Wouldn't say I had good luck at all with a harem. If you add more, I would add females, though. Wouldn't want to add a male in case yours is beginning transition.

You asked for pics, and I have some. Unfortunately they're old and low quality...

 

[aquaph8]

very nice shots. That male is beautiful. To be honest I would be just as happy with just a pair male/female. Did you have any problems with them and other fish?

 

[LukFox]

I had a dottyback that HATED my male square, but as far as aggression from the anthias to the other fish, I don't recall much/any. I think the male was able to stand up for himself in most situations, though.

Seeing him again makes me want to try another (probably just a single male), but I just can't feed that often anymore. He was a stunner, though.

 

[aquaph8]

Alexa,Thank you for your help I appreciate it.

 

[scubasteve06]

I had a dottyback that HATED my male square, but as far as aggression from the anthias to the other fish, I don't recall much/any. I think the male was able to stand up for himself in most situations, though.

Seeing him again makes me want to try another (probably just a single male), but I just can't feed that often anymore. He was a stunner, though.

What kind of dottyback doesn't hate any other kind of fish the same shape as them lol...:rollface:

 

[LukFox]

What kind of dottyback doesn't hate any other kind of fish the same shape as them lol...:rollface:

I know right? That dottyback was a big mistake.

 

[jimroth]

Pics

Pics

Here's one of my females back in the day...

and today...

More pink, don't you think?

My male:

 

[aquaph8]

Nice pics Jim. Thanks for sharing.