What anthias to purchase???

[TKCC]

I have a mature 75 gal mixed reef tank. Right now i have a yellow tang, Banggai Cardinal, and one Ocellaris Clown. I'm looking to purchase one male & two female anthias; however, i'm stuck on what breed to purchase. I like the Lyretail but i'm afraid my tank is too small? I'm leaning toward the Pseudanthias dispar anthias. I want some good vivid color & active fish.

What would the Reef Central community suggest? Thanks in advance for your suggestions....

 

[snorvich]

I feel you need a larger tank if you want a harem of anthias.

 

[TimeConsumer]

Barlett's anthias. I have 2 in my 75g. I also have 2 Lyretails as well. Very active healthy fish.

 

[SDguy]

I think a trio of parvirostris or pulcherrimus would be fine for that tank.

 

[R_Hudson]

Do a lot of reading on the athias before purchasing. They need to eat a lot. and can die rather quickly from starvation. I recently lost a trio when I went on vacation for a weekend. Apparently my tank sitter didnt understand what I had told him.

 

[TKCC]

Thanks for your replies! I have done significant research and have a good understanding of the feeding patterns, types of food etc... Let me ask those who have kept or currently keeping Anthias; how does a single or a pair of anthias do in a tank? What would be your recommendation? I'm a little skittish on purchasing a trio (although that's what I would like to do) due to my tank only being 75 gal.

 

[R_Hudson]

Mine were a trio of Carberyi in a 75. They did great although they seemed to hang out in one side of the tank, hardly going to the other. I have heard of people having a single anthias and having no issues, sure they are lonely, and in due time will turn male making the addition of future anthias a little tricky. But shouldnt be an issue with a single or pair.

I am far from an expert on these fish, my replies are based soley on my experience and knowledge.

 

[SDguy]

IME most of the commonly available, hardier species do just fine as pairs, even alone (though their colors may not be as vibrant if alone).

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Ive had harems of Lyretails (up to 5) in 4' tanks (75, 90) long term with good results.

 

[MIKE NY]

IME most of the commonly available, hardier species do just fine as pairs, even alone (though their colors may not be as vibrant if alone).

x2....

 

[dryworm]

Two llyretails. My two cents

 

[MCCOOL]

I love my dispar anthias, I think they would be a suitable choice.

 

[eatbreakfast]

A trio of dispars would be fine in a 75. Puttinng only a male and a female would be too stressful on the female as the male will chase a little, getting a trio would give each female a break from time to time, while keeping the male showing off.

 

[eddiesylas]

Look it up because I it was a while ago that i read this, but odd groupings are appropriate with fish but keep in mind that the male is a single unit and the females should have an odd number as well (for example 1 male and 3 females) because they develop their own hierarchy.

 

[ampemployee1]

I have a single lyretail, single resplendent with a pair of dispar anthias in my 57g rimless. frequent feeding is key.

 

[Beefy_Reefy]

Barlett's anthias. I have 2 in my 75g. I also have 2 Lyretails as well. Very active healthy fish.

do the these "school" together?

From what I've heard you can mix some anthias and they hang together is this true?

 

[Rabidgoose]

I wouldn't recommend more than 3 in that size tank. I would however get all females and let them decide who gets to be the boy. Ample rockwork and nutritional food in the water column are appreciated.