Single male anthias

[brett559]

I know anthias, while not true "schooling" fish, do well in groups of 3 or more. My current stock, however, would only allow for one. The owner of my LFS (trustworthy, 30 years in the business) says that a single male anthias (he's recommending a lyretail) would do fine. LA confirms that suggestion:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+20+54&pcatid=54

Have any of you kept a single male anthias? Would it be more prone to hide as the sole anthias in a tank? LA calls them "incredibly active." Would being solo have any bearing on its coloration?

Let me know. Thanks!

 

[MIKE NY]

I have kept single males in the past and although they will live they just thrive and their coloration are much better with females present..

 

[DiscusHeckel]

Yes, I am keeping a single male Bartlett anthias without any problems and used to keepa single male bimaculatus anthias.

I think for certain anthias, it may be best to keep them as a single specimen.

 

[RedStangGA]

I thought Sunburst anthias were supposed to be best kept as a single? But then I've read they aren't as active as some other anthias either.

 

[MIKE NY]

Sunbursts normally do better being single because they are know to fight. I was one of the lucky ones who were able to mainatain a pair. They aren't an open water swimmer or as active as their cousins..they tend to stay close to the rockwork.

 

[brett559]

My LFS has had a tough time finding a male lyretail. He does have a nice male/female squareback anthias pair. He has kept squareback pairs together for years in his display and service tanks. They are his favorite anthias and they are very pretty. It looks like they get a little larger than the lyretails, but LA rates them about the same in difficulty and temperament. I think I might give the pair a try. Any history with these kind of anthias?

 

[falconut]

I've keep a single Male Lyretail in my reef twice and they both were fine and extremely active. My current one is a Yellow Breast Lyretail and his color is amazing.

 

[goncharkina]

They do enjoy to have some friend around and especially females, they are a schooling fish some kind, so they can enjoy a group.