Questions on keeping anthias?

[FiShScaLe]

Ive only kept sunburst anthias over the last couple years because of the fact ive heard they do fine kept singlely compared to other anthias which are advised to be kept in pairs. My interest was sparked today when I visited my LFS and saw a few bartletts anthias. I was wondering can I keep anthias other than the fathead/sunburst anthias by themselves with long term sucess in the proper tank/enviroment. If you check out Fenner's writings about anthias (WWM or Conscientious Marine Aquarist) he mentions several times how single specimens are a better idea, more often than not. Calfo also suggests the same. Is this true? Another question is feeding habits, do they need to be fed 3 times a day? Or can I feed maybe once or twice a day and have long term success? Any feedback would help and be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Rich.

 

[Monkeyfish]

Bartletts, square and lyretails will all do fine without "friends." I feed my single carberryi and lyretail twice per day and they are fat and coloful. I've had the anthias for almost 2 years.

 

[FiShScaLe]

Thanks for the feedback Eric. From your experiance which of those you listed have the best personalitys? Which will not be so shy and timid because I do not want a fish that will hide all the time. Ive never heard of a carberryi anthias but I googled them and they are beautiful might have to get one. How does yours act? Are they picky feeders?

 

[klepto]

Another question is feeding habits, do they need to be fed 3 times a day? Or can I feed maybe once or twice a day and have long term success? Any feedback would help and be greatly appreciated.

Rich,

Generally speaking, anthias are challenging fish to keep in good health long term. I believe that feeding three times a day is a good minimum target. Multiple feedings spread throughout the day is ideal. Many of the successful anthias keepers that I know of utilize an autofeeder to keep up with the constant demand for food that these very active fishes exhibit. If you are even remotely unsure about wanting to feed three times a day then I would probably steer clear of anthias (or go the autofeeder route).

Providing enough swimming room and maintaining water quality are obviously going to be important. Many species have different needs, but some can be grouped together with ease.

How big is your tank? That will be a big factor in deciding which species (if any) would be appropriate.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Rich,

Generally speaking, anthias are challenging fish to keep in good health long term. I believe that feeding three times a day is a good minimum target. Multiple feedings spread throughout the day is ideal. Many of the successful anthias keepers that I know of utilize an autofeeder to keep up with the constant demand for food that these very active fishes exhibit. If you are even remotely unsure about wanting to feed three times a day then I would probably steer clear of anthias (or go the autofeeder route).

Providing enough swimming room and maintaining water quality are obviously going to be important. Many species have different needs, but some can be grouped together with ease.

How big is your tank? That will be a big factor in deciding which species (if any) would be appropriate.

Good info! IMO & IME, all anthias (like many fish) need a lot more room when paired, (or in a harem, like anthias are often kept). The pecking order and mating behavior dictates this. While there are some anthias (like lyretails) that do just fine with 2 feedings; I think most do much better with as many small feedings as possible.

 

[Monkeyfish]

Thanks for the feedback Eric. From your experiance which of those you listed have the best personalitys? Which will not be so shy and timid because I do not want a fish that will hide all the time. Ive never heard of a carberryi anthias but I googled them and they are beautiful might have to get one. How does yours act? Are they picky feeders?

I wouldn't buy carberryi unless you're going to get a harem. I'm disappointed in the coloration of the one I have. The lyretail is bolder and more colorful, but both are out and about quite a bit.

Generally speaking, I agree with the above posts regarding care of anthias. The species I've listed do well with fewer feedings and can be kept as individuals. Anthias like the purple tukas require much more care.