Tank size for Lyretail Anthias?

[achiro]

I am building a 48" 120g and was hoping to have a male and 2-3 females but I read an article today that basically said that wasn't a big enough tank. Thoughts?

 

[Blown 346]

Youd be over the limit of that many Anthias for a 125

 

[achiro]

Thanks, so what is the limit for it then?

 

[Blown 346]

I would say two of them, and thats the limit due to them doing well in a group. they do like swimming space, and places to hide.

 

[SDguy]

I think you'll be just fine with 4 lyretails in a 4' 120. I prefer getting all small females and letting one turn male, rather than buying a male.

 

[JohnniG]

how big do they get?

 

[MIKE NY]

Peter I normally agree with you with all your posts, but I prefer a different approach... I rather get one larger male and a group of smaller females...after an intial few chases dominance is quickly found, however whenever I add all females the bickering and fighting goes on for alot longer until one emerges as a male...
My male Lyretail is about 4.5" and is almost full grown and my females are staying smaller about 3"

 

[Blown 346]

It is recommended that a tank of atleast 125 gallons per Anthias. Being that the tank is only 4 feet long, it makes it more difficult. If the tank was 6 feet long it wouldnt be so bad as there would more space length wise. Im not saying people havent kept them in smaller aquariums, just going off of what is suggested with that fish.

 

[achiro]

I had a male in my 47 tall(only 18x18) for almost a year and he seemed to do really well, only lost him because of a power outage. I guess thats why I thought a small group would be ok. I plan to scape it with lots of swim through space if that matters.

 

[davocean]

I also agree it should be no problem having 4 in a 120g, and also would get all females.
I don't notice mine needing or requiring a great amount of swimming space at all.
When I got mine they were bagged seperately, and I got one male w/ a harem of females, and one female ended up somewhat mid transition, slightly higher dorsal.
I knew it would be next in line and eventually did turn male, and of course in time that led to fighting.
If I had to do it over again I'd just get all small or medium size females.
Any aggression I see among lyretails is very mild, nothing I would be the least bit concerned about.

 

[Blown 346]

You might be able to get away with it, depending on how much room you will have after rock is in the tank. I would think as long as you have plenty of hiding spots and there is swimming room without them feeling crowded you would be ok. I have never kept a group of them in one tank. I only had 1 square back in my 90 and it did really well.

I would hate to see you get the group and have a issue with not having enough room. Hopefully someone who has had a similar setup can chime in for you and give you a for sure answer.

 

[SDguy]

Peter I normally agree with you with all your posts, but I prefer a different approach... I rather get one larger male and a group of smaller females...after an intial few chases dominance is quickly found, however whenever I add all females the bickering and fighting goes on for alot longer until one emerges as a male...
My male Lyretail is about 4.5" and is almost full grown and my females are staying smaller about 3"

The only reason I'd disagree is because IME male anthias, even hardy ones like lyretails, don't ship as well and adapt as well as females. I also personally never experienced the bickering between females I read about on here.... not sure why. Maybe it's because I get small females, as opposed to larger, possibly unseen already transitioning ones, that will fight a lot.

 

[Meanmike]

I added one medium male and 5 small females about 4 months ago I lost one with in a couple of days because I forgot to put my top back on and never seen one of them after it was added. I don't think I ever seen any aggression just some minor chasing. I also have 5 dispar anthias (I think they're all female) that the other females tend to spend most of their time with and the male lyretail treats them just like he does his girls. Very funny to watch him heard them.

 

[davocean]

Yeah I should note any aggression if that is even what I should call it it strictly male slightly badgering the females just keeping them in check, as that is what they do.
The females do nothing of the sort.
The male just mildly chases or darts at a female here and there, and very brief.
The only thing I really take in consideration in keeping anthias and tank size would be the slight increase of bioload due to more frequent feedings.

 

[jlanger]

I agree with most of what has been said with having a small group of anthias in a 120gal.

I added a trio of lyretails a year ago and have had great results.
The trio was all females, but I selected one that was larger than the other two. The pecking order was "pre-established" and never did I see any violent attacks.
Over the course of just a few months, that largest female transitioned into the male.
He shows no sign of aggression towards any of the other fish in the tank; other than the occasional dart at the female anthias.
He is the alpha of the tank and he commands your full attention. He is always out displaying his new colors and finnage.
They're great fish and adds lots of color and activity to a reef.

Good luck.

 

[achiro]

Well I'm definitely encouraged and I appreciate all the comments. I think I will try to get all females if for no other reason than to watch one change. The male we had was my all time favorite of all the fish I've had so I can't wait to get this tank up and running!

 

[davocean]

Watching the change is pretty cool.
One day, overnight, you will look and one will no longer be bright orange, but instead a muddy purply redish color, and over a few days that color will just become brighter, and then you'll see the change in attitude as he begins to take charge of his harem.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

You should have no problems. I have had groups between 4-6 in 75 and 90g tanks with no issues.