I have had a trio of these magnificently colored fish and can't think of any other fish I love more! I have had them about 6 months now, bought them same day from my LFS as they knew I had been looking for some for a year and a half. They have been easy feeders, friendly, and out and about most of the day. I have them in my 180 gallon reef, and they don't seem to mind the light, but they have their cave if they so desire.
Recently I have noticed some behavior that I think is "courting", and I am very pleased that they are possibly spawning! I don't think I am exactly set up for the fry, but hopefully some of them will survive.
I have not found them any more difficult to keep than an anthias, however they can, will, and have jumped. I have a VERY tight 1/4 inch mesh lid, and fortunately when they have jumped out, it's only when I move the top screen to feed, and I have scooped them off the carpet and put them back in. I have even had to devise a clever way to prevent them from jumping into the overflows and up on top of the center partition/brace between there and the mesh top.
So, far so good, they were hell-bent on jumping out, but I am even more hell-bent on them NOT jumping out! I win so far.... lol! If you are considering this fish, I am sure it will quickly become one of you all time favorites, but make sure there are no holes for them to escape through. As far as the spawning, I will keep you posted. Say a prayer!
