I Want ANTHIAS!

[brannock_16]

Hello everyone,

I was at the LFS and saw they have 5 lyretail anthias that nobody has shown interest in for the past 3 weeks. While at the LFS I watched as all fish aggressively at PE Mysis and live brine shrimp.

I would like to add a/some of these lyretail anthias to my tank, but I would like to be a responsible reefkeeper and therefore am turning to the better judgement of my peers.

Here is my current stocking list for my 120 Gallon (48in x 24ft x 28in?) mixed reef tank:

1 4 inch Blue Hippo Tang
1 4 inch Yellow Tang
1 4-5 inch Diamond Goby
1 2.5 inch Cleaner Wrasse
1 1.5-2 inch Target Mandarin
2 Oscellaris Clowns
2 Bangaii Cardinals

My tank is a mixed reef, but is predominantly a lps/zoa tank. As for filtration I am running two corner overflows that feed into my 40 Breeder sump. I run a Vertex 170 Alpha skimmer, a Via Aqua 20-20 media reactor with Rowaphos, as well as a large fuge full of chaeto in the middle of the sump.

With the above listed stocking/filtration, how many (if possible) of these fish could I add to my tank?

I have read/heard it is best to keep these fish singly in smaller (>180 Gallon tanks) and in a harem of 1 male, 8+ females in tanks that are greater than 180 gallons. Is this true?

I thank you in advance for your advice and opinion.

Robert

 

[VacavilleFC3S]

i don't see why not, i'd probably get rid of the hippo tang soon, he'll likely turn aggressive in a small tank

i have in my 90g :

1 scopas tang
4 lyretails anthias
4 pajama cardinals
2 mccoskers flasher
1 chalk bass
1 royal gramma
2 ocellated dragonets
2 ocellaris clowns
1 yellow watchman goby

pretty maxed out for the time being

 

[milkman55]

I have three Bartlett in my 120 gal with a heavier fish load. I think you could add three lyretail to your tank without issues.

Looks like you have a good skimmer to remove the fish waste.

 

[minhvu]

I would get rid of the hippo also. It'll get big fast. I would do 1 male and 3 female anthias. Make sure your tank has a tight lid. They are bigtime jumpers

 

[acesq]

I have had 4 female lyretail anthias in my 120 for about a month. They do not "school" much together, generally preferring to spread out. They have occasional very short skirmishes, but no fighting to speak of. One looks like she might be ready to change into a male, we'll see what happens to the group dynamics if and when that happens.

 

[brannock_16]

I have three Bartlett in my 120 gal with a heavier fish load. I think you could add three lyretail to your tank without issues.

Looks like you have a good skimmer to remove the fish waste.

Thanks for the input. I love my skimmer! That thing is a beast...powered by a red dragon pump! I get around 32 + ounces of nasty, stinky skimmate every 1.5 to 2 weeks!

 

[brannock_16]

I would get rid of the hippo also. It'll get big fast. I would do 1 male and 3 female anthias. Make sure your tank has a tight lid. They are bigtime jumpers

I know that she will get large fast. When we first got her she was about 1-2 inches almost 1 year ago! On the other hand though, she is extremely well mannered and does not pick fights with any other fish in the tank, but I will keep an eye on her.

I really don't think I could part with her though. She has so much personality and is and absolute pleasure to watch in the tank. I would much rather buy a larger tank and take a financial blow than to have to part with her. But only time will tell I guess.

 

[brannock_16]

I guess my next questions are as follows:

Are anthias jumpers? If so what should I do to ensure they do not go carpet surfing? (my tank is an open top)

If I were to purchase some lyretails, would it be best to purchase a harem of 4, a trio, a pair, or a single fish?

As of now, all the fish in the store are females. If I were to purchase just one fish, would it stay a female or would it morph into a male? If I were to purchase multiples, how long would it take for dominance to morph a female into a male?

Thanks in advance for your time and your help.

Robert