I have had pretty good success with the larger anthias species, squarebacks, bimacs, bartletts and Lyretails (though cannot keep these long-term as a group), but have had issues with some of the smaller ones. In recent years, however, my success rates have improved dramatically because I keep them for longer periods of time in QT, and feed them many times per day. Currently I have two groups in different stages of QT (sorry for the lousy photos):
First are a group of seven resplendent anthias, with me for about a week, and already eating reef plankton and hikari Mysis shrimp. I've found these to be a relatively easy species to keep as long as you get them fattened up prior to putting them into your display. At that point 3 feedings per day appears to be sufficient to keep them healthy.
Second are a group of five evansi anthias, with me for about six weeks, and eating both reef plankton and spirulina brine. A much trickier species to get eating, and initially, at least, these will likely go into my FOWLR to try to put on a bit of size (though they top out at about 3"). Have a powder Blue in QT with them, in part to get them used to a larger, aggressive fish.
I've not had the courage in some years to try the purple queen (Tuka), though should I find some healthy specimens at LFS, I might give them another try.
First are a group of seven resplendent anthias, with me for about a week, and already eating reef plankton and hikari Mysis shrimp. I've found these to be a relatively easy species to keep as long as you get them fattened up prior to putting them into your display. At that point 3 feedings per day appears to be sufficient to keep them healthy.
Second are a group of five evansi anthias, with me for about six weeks, and eating both reef plankton and spirulina brine. A much trickier species to get eating, and initially, at least, these will likely go into my FOWLR to try to put on a bit of size (though they top out at about 3"). Have a powder Blue in QT with them, in part to get them used to a larger, aggressive fish.
I've not had the courage in some years to try the purple queen (Tuka), though should I find some healthy specimens at LFS, I might give them another try.
