Trying to pick my next fish. Which Anthias?

[mike89t]

I'm looking to add a new fish or harem of fish to my tank and I am trying to decide which ones to add. Currently I have the following in my 150G brightly lit Reef:

Midas Blenny
Naso Tang
Cheveron Tang
Royal Gramma
Target Mandarin

The Anthias have really caught my eye lately.

I've been looking at either one large male Squareback Anthias

or

Three female Lyretail Anthias.

Which way would you guys/gals go? I've found a beautifully colored Squarespot male. However I'm concerned that he might loose some color under my bright lighting. Plus he looked really shy at the store and was constantly hiding.

I really like the female Lyretails. However I couldn't find a male. Will one of the three change to a male if I go with 3 female Lyretails?

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[anydarnthing]

Ever thought about Bartlett's? And if you do get 3 female Lyretails one or more will turn male.

 

[stanlalee]

square spots really arent the best choice for brightly lit reefs and may have a time aclimating. I would do lyretail's or bartletts as suggested above. they are the hardiest anthias as well. I have three females, a male lyretail, midas blenny and two tangs. works wonderfully.

 

[grouper25]

I have 4 lyretail in my 220, 2 male and 2 female.

They are beautiful colored fisha nd a joy to watch. I feed them twice daily and have even been away for 2-3 days without feeding and they are fine. They are great to have around.

 

[mdbv25]

Bimaculus.... about 80 a piece.. but man are they beautiful... a buddy of mine has a male and female, very nice and the colors are incredible. (I think I spelled that right?)

Michael

 

[mike89t]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10143477#post10143477 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mdbv25
Bimaculus.... about 80 a piece.. but man are they beautiful... a buddy of mine has a male and female, very nice and the colors are incredible. (I think I spelled that right?)

Michael

Yeah those are nice but I can get 3 female Lyretails for under $60.

 

[reefchiquita]

I have a squareback male and female in my 180g with metal halides. I find the male colors to be quite bright and coloration on his fins well defined. He started out quite shy and passive....however now is the bully of the tank. Go figure!

 

[ahullsb]

I've got a square back in a tank with 150 watt mh's and t5's and it seems to be doing fine. Stanlalee do you have any info on this? I was sort of thinking about trading it in, if what you say is correct, it would make my decision easier.

 

[gasman059]

How about a couple of fatheads!

How about a couple of fatheads!

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[drives300]

i have a female squareback and shes out all the time under halides. i know the lit says they dont like strong light but mine seems to have adapted well.