Sunburst Anthias

[Titus77]

Today, I worked six hours at my lfs, and they asked what TWO fish I wanted, so I found three Sunburst (Fathead) Anthias. I ended up leaving with a large and a small. ALL FOR FREE! They sell there for over $85! I scored big time. So now that I have the two, and they appear to be paired together, I am going to try to breed them. I am going to make a broodstock tank that is probably one of a kind. It is going to be a 56 gallon acrylic, but split into thirds. There are going to be slits in the two blacked-out acrylic seperators. The big hang-on filter is going to be on the left outside of the tank. Will this be a nice setup to house three pairs of breeding fish? Each of the three cubicles are going to be 18.6 gallons, but the whole system is going to be 56+ gallons. Thanks.

 

[Titus77]

Actually, I just realized that a small canister filter will be needed instead. Which one would be best for this system? The MAX depth can be 5.5”, the MAX height being 27”, and the MAX width can be 12”. Would a FLUVAL 205 be a good choice, or is there something much, much better?

 

[stevemc]

Too small for just about any fish breeding. A small canister filter is also bad.

 

[IchthyoloChris]

I've never attempted to breed this species, but generally speaking with regard to fish behaviorl, you might want to consider giving the pair the run of the entire tank before inserting dividers. It's possible the male (for example) could pursue the female to the extend of causing disease &/or death if he's ready to spawn but the female isn't. Once you have them spawning, then experiment with housing them in a smaller section. Just MHO

What type of filtration do you intend to use the canister for? IME, they are a pain to maintain and can be problematic. At best, they can be used for supplemental chemical filtration / water polishing, but even then I'm not a fan. Again, just MHO. Any other filters in mind in addition to the canister?

 

[stevemc]

I have not kept fatheads, but I have kept other types of anthius. The smallest group with a male is normally 7 females and 1 male. That way he doesnt pick on just a few, he has too many to actually pick on. Possibly with just one male and one female, you might have problems. I know fatheads are cute, but many anthius can be fiesty. They need to eat several times a day, and like a varied diet. I dont think they are canidates for breeding. I think they are pelagic breeders.

 

[tcmfish]

Pelagic canidates are canidates and every fish should be worked on as far as captive breeding. Work with them and try and find something out.

Feed them a lot.

 

[superedge88]

Keep in mind that the sunburst Anthias is a very odd anthias compared to others. At one time they weren't even classified as an anthias. So breeding rituals may not be anything like other anthias.

 

[K' Family Reef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13748899#post13748899 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by superedge88
Keep in mind that the sunburst Anthias is a very odd anthias compared to others. At one time they weren't even classified as an anthias. So breeding rituals may not be anything like other anthias.

agreed
they dont swim around like other anthias' either... so feeding requirements would not be the same (less swimming = less energy/food requirements)... these fish tend to be more low key - hanging out in one spot/area of the tank not moving about much (like other anthias)... if have a problem getting them to eat try feeding hikari mysis - ours would only eat the mysis when we first got them but now eat about anything thrown in the tank.

good luck w/ the breeding! these are beautiful fish to have in our tanks.

regards

 

[Titus77]

They accept F1 Pellets w/garlic, frozen Mysis Shrimp, and frozen Brine Shrimp. It is cool to watch them in their "cave". They rest on the "ceiling" of their "cave", but upside down! LOL. It is pretty fun to watch them. They remind me a lot of Maderins.

 

[clownnrnd]

I would like to get some of these but I am unsure how many to get? I've heard singly but I would like 3-4. Any recommendations?

Chad

 

[Titus77]

I have 2 right now. One large (about 2.5") and one small (about 1"). They are getting along with each other just fine. No chasing. They are always together. They sleep together at night. They both eat Cyclop-eeze freeze-dried Cyclop shrimp. They also eat frozen/pellet/flake foods.

 

[stevemc]

Most anthius need a large tank-125 gallons or so, and need a school of at least 7 females for 1 male. If you can only find females, one will turn into a male. I have not heard of any breeding of any species of pseudanthius or anthius, I would assume you would need a large giant tank, with reef and flow etc, to simulate deep reef. I would assume they are dispersal(pelagic)egglayers.