Should i add male or female bartlett anthias to the existing harem?

[holdyourlight]

I have 4 bartlett's in my 125g. 3 males and 1 female. Didn't start off that way but you know the story. Anyway, i'd like to add about 2 more. I was just going to put in females but i starting wondering if i should just add 2 more males instead. Reason being is that the 3 males in there now won't even let the lone female come out of her hole in the rocks. It's been this way for many months. I'm afraid that if i add more females, the males will keep them in the rocks too. But at the same time adding more males might be dangerous? Anyone have opinions? ..............Peter?

 

[geaux xman]

maybe see if you can trade with someone locally or find a buyer for 2 of the males. then try again adding a couple more females?

 

[holdyourlight]

maybe see if you can trade with someone locally or find a buyer for 2 of the males. then try again adding a couple more females?

All 3 males get along just fine, i will be keeping them. Plus, most bartlett's end up turning male anyway.... They have established a pecking order and there is no bickering between them. They just dont the lone female come out of the rocks except for to eat.

 

[SDguy]

Honestly, I'm kind of over bartletts They have a horrible social dynamic in an aquarium, usually (I did manage to have a trio with two females stay female for almost 2 years). Even then, the male is pretty mean to the females. They are also the most aggressive anthias in my tank.

But, to your question I would get more females, it will definitely ease the stress your current single female is experiencing, IMO.

 

[niter]

I'd vote for females as well. It may just be her. Either way, nicer to get the ratio up.

Do you have a cleaner shrimp? We had a lone female who was picked on and now she is part of the group, though lacking an eye. When we added the cleaner shrimp, all the fish seemed happier and she started coming out more.