Lyretail vs dispar, which hang out more? SD guy?

[hobbzz]

I know they don't school in captivity, but which species would be more likely to keep together in a group more often in a 72" x 36" x 27" 300g? I prefer the look of lyretails, but the shoaling is just about as important. FYI I also have a single sunburstI and five chromis. Also what would be a good number to encourage shoaling in a tank this size? Tia.

 

[hobbzz]

Anyone?

 

[SDguy]

IME dispar (or I prefer ignites) will group more frequently than lyretails. I'd personally go with both in that size tank. They mix well, IME.

 

[hobbzz]

Both it is. Or maybe the ignitus. I'll look into those. Why do you prefer them? What do you think as far as numbers? Since I like lyretails better I'll probably go with a few more of those. I'm thinking 1 male and 7-8 females?

Also with the dispar, I'd have to order them from LA, and they don't have the option for male/female. You can't specify. Would there be a problem with two females changing into males at the same time like you sometimes see with the lyretails? Thanks Peter!

 

[o2manyfish]

I have 6 Dispar and 3 Lyretails (+purple queen & Evansi) The dispar are always together and hang out toward the right side of the tank. They sleep in two different groups, as there are 2 males.

I purchased all females original (in Dec).

The Lyretail hang with the Dispar but also spend 1/2 there time cruising around the tank independently.

The Evansi and Purple Queen are always with the Dispar.

And I also have a pair of Borbonious who hang together but don't spend any time with the other Anthias.

Dave B

 

[SDguy]

Both it is. Or maybe the ignitus. I'll look into those. Why do you prefer them? What do you think as far as numbers? Since I like lyretails better I'll probably go with a few more of those. I'm thinking 1 male and 7-8 females?

Also with the dispar, I'd have to order them from LA, and they don't have the option for male/female. You can't specify. Would there be a problem with two females changing into males at the same time like you sometimes see with the lyretails? Thanks Peter!

I'd get all female lyretails. Watching one change is half the fun. I also prefer getting really small ones if you can. They adapt easier, and you can be fairly confident they are all completely female still.

Dispars/ignitus are easier because males can coexist, especially in a large tank with many females.

 

[hobbzz]

What about number? If I got 8-9, would one male be able to "handle" the other 7-8 females? Thanks.

 

[SDguy]

They'll figure it out themselves. If there's enough room, physically and socially, then a second male will develop.

 

[hobbzz]

Ok good. Thanks Peter!