Fat Head Anthias

[blackcows]

Has anyone had success with this fish? I think it is a great fish, a shape that is unique and colors that are unique when compared to many of the common reef fish. Several years ago I tried to keep this fish without success, I am now learning (thanks for Reef Central) that the Anthias require frequent feeding which was most likely my problem in the past.

In reality based on our schedule, feeding 4 or 5 times a day would not be possible so I am considering an automatic feeder to feed the fish twice a day and I would also feed twice a day. Would this help or is this just a difficult fish to keep?

 

[Reef Bass]

If having one for 5-6 years is being successful, then yes, I have been successful. Mine was beautifully colored, not shy and totally reef safe. I fed it manually. It ate pretty much whatever non vegetative matter I fed. Chopped thawed frozen mysis and krill, flake, pellets. IME, twice a day should be sufficient, but it could depend on how much competition there is, etc. My fish load is light. I also saw an improvement in color late in its life when I started soaking thawed frozen foods in selcon.

 

[MikeandNicole]

I have had mine for several years. I feed rods soaked in vitamin c and Elos multi vitamin and he has amazing color.

 

[SDguy]

I had trouble getting them to eat dry food, so the automatic feeder idea wouldn't have worked with mine, at least.

 

[sTefaniA]

Why can't you feed more? I have a fulltime job and I still feed at least 10 times a day, often more.

 

[Rapide]

sTefaniA, may I ask WHAT kind of tank do you have?!? And what fish?
10 x a day, wow... I assume that is a little portion each time, but still.

 

[sTefaniA]

sTefaniA, may I ask WHAT kind of tank do you have?!? And what fish?
10 x a day, wow... I assume that is a little portion each time, but still.

Total system is 1000g, half of that is display tank and the other half is located in the basement were I have frag tanks, quarantine tank, live rock storage, ...

It's an sps reef with 3 tangs, 7 wrasses (anampses, cirhilabrus,) 16 anthias, and a few gobies and pipefish. Not much fish for a tank this size.

I feed a lot. I have 5 anampses wrasses wich need constant feeding. The tank is cramped with corals and I'm having problems with the tank becoming too sterile, can't get my nitrates and phosphates up. I easily go through 2 pounds of artemia and mysis a month.

I usually put some food in every time I walk past the tank.