Hardiest Anthias

[brad]

I have had mixed success with Anthias in the past - I started with about 8, and seemed to lose the lowest ranked member every few months. The male in my profile photo died after 2 1/2 years.

I am thinking a larger tank will make it easier to keep a small school, but I would rather stick to the easiest to keep species. I am looking to upgrade my 120 to a 200 or 300 gallon tank.

For those who have kept Anthias, which are the hardiest? I would also like to hear any advice from anyone who has kept them alive longer than I have.

 

[Loachmaniac]

bartlets are supposedly hardy. They do have a tendency to all turn male and kill each other off though.

Lyretails are probably the next best. They don't have the same issue with all going male, so are easier to keep in a group.

 

[SDguy]

That redbar in you avatar is one of the hardiest IME. Lyretails, bartlett, hypselosoma are also very hardy.

Does anyone have data on how long anthias live naturally? Judging from their lifestyle, I wouldn't guess it would be in the double digits...