Gender ID question regarding Lyretail anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)  11/14/09
Hey, there!
<We're as happy as can be>
In reading through WetWebMedia and other resources, all of them state that the male Lyretail is red,
<Mmm, well, not always... some diversity in this species wide distribution from the western Pacific to the Red Sea, E. Africa>
while the female is orange. The accompanying photos typically show the male with an elongated dorsal spine.
<Typically so>
The coloration on the female is typically shown as a fairly uniform orange with a little color gradation from dorsal to ventral, and the dorsal fin is not elongated.
<Yes, but...>
I recently ordered three females from a reputable online retailer. To my surprise, all three fish, while predominantly orange, have markedly deeper coloration on the dorsal side and elongated dorsal spines.
Did the vendor do me wrong, or are there color and physiology variables among the females that I've simply not seen before?
<I think you likely have three "more males" than any females here... but don't despair! As they say on late night sale-a-thon commercials: "There's more!" If there's enough room, a bit of time going by, weeks to a few months, will show two of them reverting back to more female coloring, morphology>
I'm simply trying to head off the inevitable turf war if I end up with three males in a 140-gal tank.
Thank you!
Derry
<I'd hold on to them... Take a few pix for later reference... You'll see.
Bob Fenner>

Anthias (err Pseudanthias!) Sex Change… Pseudanthias bartlettorum – 09/30/09
Good evening!
<<Morning here…howdy!>>
I understand that the dominant female Anthias in a group will become the male.
<<In the absence of an existing male, yes>>
However, if I were to purchase a single male Bartlett's Anthias, is there a chance it would revert to being a female if it lived sans harem?
<<Not likely, no… I have seen females in transition revert back when exposed to a male/more dominant female…but can’t say I’ve seen or heard of a full blown male reverting in the absence of others of its own kind. Speaking of which… While there are some Anthiine species that can be kept as a single male specimen (e.g. - Pseudanthias pleurotaenia, Serranocirrhitus latus), most all benefit from the presence of others of their own kind. I think this is especially so with Pseudanthias bartlettorum…in fact, I would consider it a requirement for the successful long term keeping of this fish>>
My tank is only 75gallons in size which I don't believe is enough for even the smallest shoal, but I love these fish dearly and want to learn more of their husbandry and behaviour.
<<Ah but that is the nice thing about the Bartlett’s Anthias. This fish is an excellent aquarium choice among the family…and given proper consideration to stocking of other fishes, a group of about 5 of these small fish would do fine in a 75g tank>>
Also, will the solitary male's colour fade without females around?
<<More than color will be affected re…health and vigor too. I do not recommend the keeping of a solitary specimen of this species>>
Or with intense lighting? I've read that Bartlett’s aren't naturally found as deep as many other species.
<<In my, experience lighting intensity has not been a factor with P. bartlettorum>>
Thanks for your time and help!
A.S.
<<Happy to share… EricR>>

Dispar Anthias... sel., fdg..... ranting...  7/13/09
Hi Crew,
This was <the> statement for today's picture:
<">The Dispar Anthias. Indo-west Pacific. To almost four inches in length.
Hard to keep if not immediately trained to take food. Best fed a few times daily. Females have slightly longer pelvic fins. Sipadan 08<">
I would not say it is hard to keep if not trained to take food. Nothing hard about taking care of a dead fish.
Get to the point and say it will die if not trained...
The hard part is in trying to train it. I know because I was not successful.
<Sam, if you would have read here first,
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anthiina.htm, it is
unlikely that you would have purchased this fish. I for sure am not one to gamble my money if I
didn't feel I had a chance at keeping an animal alive. Although Mr. Fenner's statement is true, there
are some folks that have had success with this fish. And, as I recall from previous queries, your tank size is around 10 gallons, much too small to have long term success with any of the Anthias species.
James (Salty Dog)><<Well done James. RMF>>
Sam

Re Dispar Anthias 7/14/09
Hi James,
<Sam>
You have a good memory, I did have a 10 gallon but recently went to a 24.
And you are also probably right that I would not have bought it if I read that even for a 24 gallon.
<Indeed.>
But it was such a nice fish I decided to believe the e-tailer.
My point was that it is not difficult to take care of, it is difficult to train. If not trained it is impossible to take care of. And if trained then there is no difficulty.
Thanks for being there.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Sam

Anthias sex-change question   6/22/09
hello, thanks in advance for your help!
<No problems!>
I started with 1 male and five females in a 100 gal tank, and everything was fine for two months. the male became injured somehow on its side and was lost. the remaining dominant female began what i thought was the change into the male (became more aggressive, color changed, and spine grew). over the next two months, i would see her attack and chase the others into hiding until they all died one by one, leaving only the dominant female (she hasn't fully changed into a male). six months have since passed, and i want to try another school of anthias. i guess my question is, if she was halfway through the change when the last Anthias died, will she return to a female after being alone all this time?
<Nope; sex change in these fish is a one-way ticket.>
she still seems somewhat aggressive toward my 3 chromis. i don't know whether to get more females (hoping she'll complete the change), or to start with a male and more females. or would the best option be to catch her and trade her to my LFS?
<Up to you, but certainly, don't add any more males. If you add females, the sex-changing female/male fish you have should be fine. Alternatively, remove him/her, add some more females, and let nature take its course.>
thanks!
Mike
<Cheers, Neale.>

Re: Anthias sex-change question   6/23/09
Thank you so much for your help! I've relocated the angry fish, and I've started with a new shoal of 6 females and one male.
<Cool. Enjoy your new fish! Cheers, Neale.>

Pink Square Anthias Instead of Fathead Anthias? (Nope…choose the Bartlett’s) – 05/04/09
Bob,
<<Hiya Zach…Eric here today>>
I recently inquired to you about a trio of fathead anthias for my 75. I couldn't find a trio of fatheads anywhere, but I found two online distributors, one with a trio of Bartlett's anthias for 130$ and the other, with two female pink square anthias for 40$ and a male for 40$. Which would you recommend based on my tank stats and how easy they are to keep?
<<Well Zach… I have kept all three species you mention here. For a system the size of yours, the Bartlett’s are far and away the best choice. The Fatheads are just downright mean when it comes to conspecifics, and require much more room to allow less aggressive individuals some space to “escape” aggression. The Pink Square’s, while slightly less aggressive toward each other than the Fatheads (in my experience), just get too darn big for a tank the size of yours. This Anthiine species can grow to more than 9” in the wild… And while they wouldn’t get quite that big in your tank (likely about 6” or so), as far as Anthiines go and their inherent need for space (kinda like so many of the Tang species), these guys are bruisers requiring again, much more room than your tank provides. That leaves the Bartlett’s… Being rather peaceful (as Anthiines go) toward conspecifics…as well as smallish in size (less than 3”)…not to mention quite hardy…this is without a doubt the best choice here for success in your system>>
Thanks,
Zach
<<Happy to share… Eric Russell>>

Re: Pink Square Anthias Instead of Fathead Anthias? (Nope…choose the Bartlett’s) – 5/05/09
Eric Russell or Bob or whoever,
<<Hey Zach…Eric here again>>
How about a trio of Fiji Lyretail Anthias?
<<Hmm…have kept these as well…and another superb aquarium species of Anthiine. These get larger than the Bartlett’s, and are more aggressive toward conspecifics…but if your system is geared to their needs ( http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anthiines_ii.htm , http://www.wetwebmedia.com/fijifwgfaqs.htm , http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anthiina.htm ), and not overly stocked or stocked with other aggressive species, then a trio in your 75g tank may be possible…though I still feel the Bartlett’s to be the better choice in this size system>>
Sorry to keep bugging you but they just came in on a site and they look beautiful for a cheaper price. http://liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?c=2733+3&ddid=62528
Thanks,
Zach
<<No problem Zach… Do realize that whichever Anthiine species you choose (Bartlett’s or Lyretail); making them the “focus” of the tank will be beneficial to their health/vigor/longevity. Regards, EricR>>

"Moderate" lighting??? Also, an Anthias question for you... – 03/27/09
Hey there, Crew!
<<Hiya Crystal!>>
So I've driven myself crazy with reading through the lighting FAQs and the low-moderate light corals FAQs.
<<Have you now>>
I am still doubting myself that I have the "right" amount of light that I need.
<<Oh?>>
I have a 75 gallon Tenecor with approximately (guessing) 100 lbs. of live rock, live sand, skimmer in live rock filled sump, yadda, yadda, yadda. It's been up and running for five years with minimal stocking (have a love for tiny fish like gobies and blennies) so it's all sorts of stable and a very happy place to be a fish.
<<Cool>>
Here's the lighting question that I'd like an answer to -- even if it's only a personal opinion with no specifics (as I've learned that most "facts" of this addictive hobby are):
<<Indeed>>
One 96W Actinic PC
One 96W 50/50 PC
One 96W 10K PC....all over a 20" tall tank.....would you call this "low" or "moderate" lighting?
<<Hmm… Considering that two-thirds of the bulbs are Actinic and 50/50, I think this is in the bottom-half of the “moderate” scale (make sense?) and likely ideal for many of the Corallimorpharians and other organisms with similar lighting requirements>>
As in I can feel comfy making a home for mushrooms (especially Ricordea), zoos, and MAYBE even some LPS's that state "moderate" as the lighting needs?
<<Ah, yes… Corallimorphs (as stated) and Zoanthids (though some Ricordea and Zoanthid species also do well/color up nicely under more intense lighting) should do well…and for suitable “LPS” specimens I would look to the genus Plerogyra (Bubble Corals) and some of the “Red Colored” open brain species (red pigmented specimens seem to do better/have lower light requirements than green pigmented specimens)>>
Now for the Anthias question. Since my love of gobies and blennies and a Jawfish, oh my, has left me with a tank that does not have a whole lot of action from across the room.
<<Mmm, indeed… Sounds like a tank that spends most of its time watching “you” [grin]>>
I've had my eye on adding an Anthias. GORGEOUS!
<<Agreed, though these fishes pose certain obstacles. Many species are difficult to feed, most all are easily intimidated by other fish, some species “just don’t do well” in captivity…and…being “haremic” in nature, most species require others of their kind for their long-term physical and psychological wellbeing…which makes the size of your tank a limiting factor here as well>>
Understand that they can be shy at first but eventually will swim around once they are comfy.
<<This is not a certainty…depending much on species selection and environment>>
And I think the fish I have are lovers, not fighters.
<<Many are relatively peaceful toward other fishes…but not when it comes to conspecifics. These fishes all utilize aggression to maintain their sense of “order” among the social group>>
The particular Anthias I'm interested in and can't seem to find all that much info/opinions about is the Ignitus Anthias (Pseudanthias Ignitus) or Flame Anthias.
<<Mmm, yes…has not been often seen in the West I think (and thus not documented), though it seems to be turning up more lately>>
Both the male and the female are awesome in coloring and I'd only be looking to get a bachelor or bachelorette. What, if any, opinions do you personally have about this fish?
<<From the little I have read/know, it seems this Anthiine species “may” be on par with Pseudanthias bartlettorum (Bartlett’s Anthias…which by the way, would make for a good alternative species here) re hardiness, ease of feeding, suitability to captive care… I also think this fish will fare much better in a group than as a single specimen. Do consider a trio (male and two females)…though if your tank is as lightly stocked as it sounds, four females and one male of this small Anthiine species might prove to be a better numbers>>
Hardy, shy, easy to feed, likes long walks on the beach and getting caught in the rain -- oops, not that one.
<<Hee-hee!>>
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
<<You have' em>>
As always, thanks so much for any and all anecdotes and I look forward to hearing from you...
-Crystal
<<A pleasure to share… Eric Russell>>

Anthias/Compatibility 3/6/09
I have a 180-gallon reef tank with a Hippo Tang, Powder Brown Tang and 2 Ocellaris clowns. I would like to add maybe 2 or 3 different species of anthias. So far I am thinking of Dispar and Bartlett's. My question is should I get all male or all female? Or does it even matter?
<Anthias do best when kept with their own species, I would not mix. One male to a harem generally works best.
Anthias species all share the trait of being hermaphroditic. If a dominant male perishes, the largest female of the group will often morph to take its place. Do read here and related articles/FAQ's.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anthiina.htm>
Thanks for your help.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>

Re Anthias/Compatibility 3/6/09
Thanks for the reply.
<You're welcome.>
Ok, so I will get all the same species and probably 3-4 females and then let one of them turn into a male on its own. Do you think Dispar would be ok or should I stick with Lyretail?
<Will be up to you here. The Dispar is one of the hardiest of anthias and likely the most territorial. The Bartlett's usually commands at least double the price of a Dispar and is also one of the hardier specie
of anthias.>
Thanks again.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>

Midas Lyretail Compatibility Issue... Anthias stkg., beh.    2/27/09
Hi -
<Hello Andy>
I have a 150 gallon tank with 200# of live rock. I just added a Lyretail Anthias and he wants to desperately kill my Midas Blenny.
<Mmm, yes... perhaps too similar, not wanting to share the same niches>
From the research that I have done, I thought that the Midas was going to mimic the Lyretail. I also thought of the Anthias as quite a docile fish.
<Well... for one, you really need to have more than the one... Pseudanthias squamipinnis is always found in good-sized shoals>
Boy, was I wrong. The Anthias actually goes with an open mouth to bite my Midas in his own hole. I have never seen such direct aggression. They don't resemble each other except maybe a little shade of pink. What goes?
<Displacement behavior... get more Anthias...>
I tried to catch the Anthias but it's almost impossible to do so. It recognizes my net and scurries into the rocks. I can probably catch the Midas but I feel I am punishing the wrong fish. Do you think this "open mouth" aggression will stop?
<Not likely enough...>
The Midas is reciprocating, however, his fins are starting to tatter slightly and he hangs out in his hole a lot now. He's not going to die all of a sudden, right?
<Quite possibly>
I could catch the Midas possibly and then reintroduce him at a later time. Do you think that would work? I really prefer the Midas over the Anthias...I hope I am not stuck.
Thanks,
Andy
<May not seem like a good idea, but adding a handful of subadult or female Pseudanthias squamipinnis is the route to go here... Read on WWM re Anthiine stocking... Bob Fenner>

Anthias advice, stkg./sel.  2/16/09
Hi, I have a 90 gallon with some corals (The tank is mostly filled with water; lots of swimming room) with a clown fish, 2 Bartlett's anthias, a square anthias and for the past 2 months a Thompsons anthias according to the LFS where I got it (although it looks more like a bi-color from the pics available online).
<Mmm... better to have a haremic shoal of just one species... what you have is not really workable>
The Thompson/bicolor has turned out to be a very aggressive male so much that my 2 Bartlett's are hiding most of the time. All was peaceful until he came along, the bigger squarespot having a very neutral temperament.
<I see>
So it seems I have 2 choices: Get the Thompson out, if I can catch him, and bring him back to the store. Or I can add a couple of more Bartlett's so the aggression will be spread out more and easier on each one. Any suggestions? Thanks.
<I would remove the Thompson's, add more Bartlett's for sure. Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/anthiselfaqs.htm
Bob Fenner>

Question about Fancy Sea Basses/Anthiinae, sel.  – 02/05/09 Hey Crew, <<Hey Andy>> I hope all is well. <<Okay for a Thursday mate>> I have a stocking question, if you don't mind. <<Fire away…>> I have a 90 gallon reef with about 90lbs of live rock, a 30 gallon Chaeto/live rock/deep sand bed refugium, and a 20 gallon sump. I employ an AquaC EV-180 skimmer and four Koralia 3s for in-tank circulation. Lighting is two 250W 14,000K HQI and four 65W PC 03 actinics. My current stock list includes various SPS and LPS--seven various Acropora and Montipora, 5 Duncan heads, and 2 heads of Candy Cane—and two Lysmata amboinensis. I haven't had any fish in the tank since September, when my power when out for a week while I was on vacation (hard lesson learned ....). <<I think I remember something about this. At any rate…wise of you to let the tank go fallow for a while to give the beneficial micro- and macro-fauna some time to recoup>> So, I'm starting to think about restocking. I've never had more than 5 fish, all of which have been community/reef fishes, and I would like to keep it that way. <<Okay>> I got the idea that it might be neat to have a single schooling species in my tank <<Indeed>> --I keep going back and forth as to whether this would be as cool as I think it would be, or whether I'd miss having a variety of fishes <<Although seen more in freshwater systems (especially those super cool Japanese “planted” systems), a single-species marine tank would be quite worthwhile, in my opinion…and even of benefit, when attempting to keep some of the more delicate social species>> (it's nice to have a variety not only for the diversity of colors and shapes, but also for the different roles different fishes play in the tank--some eat microalgae, some sift sand, etc.). <<Ah yes…and it is astute of you to realize this. A single-species display does present certain challenges re the “maintenance” fishes. But some purposeful research could likely turn up one or two options for successful cohabitation with your “centerpiece” fish specimens of choice>> I've been doing some reading on WWM and other sites/books about Anthias, and I've read that many types of Anthias can be hard to keep, some require muted lighting, many require lots of space, and pretty much all require multiples. <<Agreed…and with many variations of these requirements among the differing available species>> I'm hoping that someone who has experience with these beautiful fish can advise me . . . is there a type of Anthias that will do well as a small group in a 90 gallon, or is this tank just too small to even think about them? <<One single species jumps to mind here…Pseudanthias bartlettorum, the Bartlett’s Anthias. P. bartlettorum is smallish and, as Anthiines go, relatively peaceful towards conspecifics…both desirable attributes when attempting to keep Anthiines in small volume displays. They are also, in my experience, just as hardy as the considerably larger and more aggressive Lyretail Anthias (P. squamipinnis). There are other small Anthiines available, but none more suitable to a tank your size than the Bartlett’s Anthias I think. A single male with four to eight females (total number dependent upon other fishes stocked) would be fine. The only real problem I’ve encountered with this species is their propensity to “jump from the tank” if harassed. Small aggressive fishes like Damsels and Pseudochromis species are to be avoided as tankmates. And although most Tangs will ignore them, the boisterous activity of most tends to make the Anthiines hide or stay to the outer edges of the display, and no doubt is also a cause of stress. So do your homework and choose tankmates carefully. As for feeding…frozen mysis and glass worms are usually readily accepted. P. bartlettorum can also be trained to accept New Life Spectrum pellets…and doing so, in my estimation, will at least double your chances for success here>> Thanks in advance for your guidance. Andy <<Happy to share, Andy. Eric Russell>> Re: Question about Fancy Sea Basses/Anthiinae - 02/05/09 Wow! Thanks for the great response, Eric. Much appreciated. Andy <<A pleasure my friend… EricR>> R2: Question about Fancy Sea Basses/Anthiinae - 02/06/09 Dear Eric, <<Hey Andy>> One follow-up question regarding the Bartlett Anthias, if I may. <<Of course>> It seems that ordering specific numbers or a particular gender (e.g., I'd like to order 1 male and 4 females) may be difficult unless I get lucky enough to find a LFS that carries both. <<Actually, many shipments of these fish have a male among them…if only from the dominant female making “the change” while the group is held together. But no worries, since these fish are protogynous hermaphrodites, just order females in the number you want and let nature decide which one will dominate the group>> Because these fish are hermaphroditic, however, can I buy 5 females and expect that one will morph into a male? <<Ah yes!>> Andy <<EricR>> R3: Question about Fancy Sea Basses/Anthiinae - 02/07/09 Thanks, Eric. <<Welcome, Andy>> That's the problem--I have yet to find an on-line shipper (any of the reputable ones, anyway) that will let you pick your sexes, much less guaranty the sexes of the fish you get. <<Ah yes…but for a few, most are not located near the actual holding facilities from which the fishes are selected and shipped…but some, like LiveAquaria.com, do often offer “sexed” individuals from among the “social species” of fishes, when available>> My worry is that I would order 5 fish and receive 2 males. <<Understandable>> But, now that I know I can go to a LFS and pick up 5 females and one will eventually turn male, that's great. <<Indeed>> Thanks again, and have a great weekend. Andy <<Quite welcome…and the same to you. EricR>> R4: Question about Fancy Sea Basses/Anthiinae - 02/08/09 Please entertain one more question from me Eric, and then I shall let Anthias rest. <<No worries, Andy>> These fish are hermaphroditic, and females will change to males but will the opposite occur? <<Not that I am aware…at least not after completion of the transition phase>> Will males turn to females, such that if I did get 2 males in a group of 5, one would do a sex change? <<I think not… I have seen females that appeared to be in the beginning stages of turning male suppressed/reversed by the introduction of a true male…but I do not think a terminal male can/will revert to female>> I guess it's that these fish are in such demand that most online shippers that currently offer them won't guaranty sexes, and, in fact, most places are limiting the number of fish they will sell you. <<Really? I find that odd>> I picked up 5 today at That Fish Place in Lancaster, PA, and I believe that only one is male (they all pretty much look alike, but one has a very long dorsal spine). <<Ah yes…the male should also display a bit more and darker pink coloration...eventually>> We'll see . . . <<Indeed>> Thanks again. <<My pleasure, mate. EricR>> R5: Question about Fancy Sea Basses/Anthiinae - 02/09/09 Eric, <<Hey Andy>> As you were instrumental to my purchase, I thought I would share a few pictures of my new charges. Take care. Andy <<Ah! These are beauties, and look to be in quite good shape…a very aquarium-suitable species indeed. Thank you for sharing my friend. Eric Russell>>

R6: Question about Fancy Sea Basses/Anthiinae - 02/09/09 Thanks! <<Welcome>> They are really beautiful and I have gotten a lot of "Oooh" and "Aaaahhhh" when friends have seen them. <<I’ll bet!>> I did a lot of research on how to introduce these into the tank, and saw Bob's/other's admonitions that quarantine is best skipped. <<Indeed this is so… There are species and oftentimes just circumstances where quarantine is not the best approach>> So, with much trepidation I prepared a pH adjusted freshwater, aerated dip with 37% Formalin and dipped them all for 7 minutes. <<Excellent... And though the Formalin may prove too harsh for sensitive/delicate species (I would probably have made do without here), your Bartlett’s seem to have endured it in fine shape>> They are the only fishes in the tank, so I guess we'll see. So far, so good. <<Yes>> One thing I noticed that I've never seen with any other fish I've had in my tank is how these fish love to be cleaned by my cleaner shrimps. I read where Bob said that he highly recommends the use of cleaner shrimps with these fish, and I can see why! <<Biological “cleaners” such as these can be most beneficial, agreed…and when/where they offer a practical solution, are certainly a better approach than “poisons”>> It is really amazing. <<Ah…agreed again!>> Andy <<EricR>>

Sexing Dispar Anthias – 02/05/09
Hi,
<Hello.>
I recently purchased a trio of beautiful Disbar Anthias.
<Pseudanthias dispar.>
Two of them are doing great and eating like pigs
<Good to hear.>
but I did lose one of them in the first few days. It seems he fell prey to something in my tank that was ate most of his tail, he died shortly after that. I'm not sure what could have done this except one of my Emerald Crabs. I have a fairly large one that I haven't seen in a while. Anyway, I'd like to replace that fish with another, the problem is I want to make sure I replace it with a female so they will all get along.
<May first want to find the reason for the death of the fish before replacing it.>
The two I have seem to look very similar except one has a slightly yellow/orange color compared to the other which is more pink. They both swim together most of the time and get along great. As far as I know they could both be female, or both be male for that matter but I would expect them to fight if that was the case. Is there a definite way to sex these fish before I purchase it at my LFS?
<With a little training. The male P. dispar have a bright red dorsal fin. The females are yellow to orange with yellow tail and a pink line from the tip of the snout to the lower part of the eye. Their dorsal fin is only pale red. Please see here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anthiina.htm Cheers, Marco.>

Anthiinae for me?? Sel./stkg.    2/2/09
I hope this message finds you all well and in good spirits. I have a stocking question for my 120 gallon reef relating to anthias. Currently I house a 5 in. purple tang, a small pair of tomato clowns who I hope will soon be a mated pair in their xenia home, and a 5 inch Labout's fairy wrasse who I love, both for his personality and the fact that my LFS gave him to me at store cost due to a shipping mistake ( I ordered a Lineatus and the wholesaler shipped my current pet ). Anyway, I want to add a splash of color and movement to the display because my purple tang hides in his
cave mostly until feeding time (which to my understanding is normal),
<Mmm, should become more social with time, familiarity>
my clowns rarely leave the xenia and my wrasse is normally the only thing in the open. I am leaning toward a group of either Ignitus or Resplendent Anthias. I have found most information relating to the Ignitus being favorable, however the Resplendent seems to be harder to get info about.
Any thoughts?
<Can be a more touchy species... both/all Anthiines need to be acquired in "good shape"... not skinny... and introduced all at once ideally... with but one decided male/alpha specimen in hobby sized systems...>
I'd also like your thoughts on how many to purchase for both the health of the group and so I don't crowd my tank.
<Five would be best... three would do>
As I've said time and again, you guys are the first place I turn for information because I've never been led down the wrong path.
Thanks again.
Shawn Green
Baltimore, MD
<Either of these species will be mighty fine given the provisos stated above. Am sure you will enjoy their color, behavior. Bob Fenner>

Mixing anthias to reduce male aggression? 1/31/09
Dear Crew,
<Carolyn>
Is it possible for a male of one type of anthias to form a harem with females or another? My reason for asking is that when I lost my male carberryi anthias not 1 but 2 of the females changed sex to become males.
<Happens at times>
As a result, the lone female tends to be protected (and possibly harassed)
by the dominant male while the subordinate male remains at a safe distance.
<Hopefully there's room...>
Would you recommend leaving the situation as it is (they're in a peaceful 135 US gallon system with a 30 US gallon sump, other inhabitants are:
Randall's shrimp goby/shrimp pair, pair of false percula clowns, mandarin, female Lamarck's angel, female flame angel, 5 yellow tail blue damsels)? The alternatives would be to see if I can get hold of some female carberryi anthias (risking a similar situation re-occurring), or to add some female Lyretail anthias in the hope that they would accept the male carberryi as their alpha male.
<Mmm, would be better to trade out one of the present males, for a small female...>
Not sure what to do for the best - don't like to see the lone male looking so lonely without some females of his own!
<Try the local fish stores, clubs, even Craig's list to see if someone needs a male...>
Many many thanks for taking the time to read this, I've found similar questions on WWM, but none that answered mine...
Carolyn
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Sunburst Anthias and Bartlett's Anthias  11/15/08
Hi WWM crew,
<<Hello Benson>>
You guys probably heard this a million times but this truly is a great service you provide.
<<Ah but we never tire of hearing it [grin]…many thanks>>
Too my question, I would like to add a Sunburst Anthias to my 100 gallon tank.
<<A splendid fish… And can prove difficult to keep, with individuals kept singly seeming to fare better… in my opinion/experience. But have you read here? http://www.wetwebmedia.com/serranocirrhitus.htm>>
Will the Sunburst Anthias have any problems adapting to its new tank mates and will the current inhabitants be okay with the addition of the Sunburst Anthias?
<<The other Anthiines you have listed shouldn't be a problem, but the Damsels may take exception to this introduction and cause problems. It is also important that the Sunburst Anthias have some caves/overhangs available to it so it can retreat from any bright lighting you may have on the tank>>
Also, dose my tank have the capacity for a new addition?
Here is my current live stock:
2 True Percula Clowns
1 Black Saddleback Clown
1 Kupang Damsel
1 Four Strip Damsel
1 Yellow Tang
1 Pink Spotted Goby
1 Six line Wrasse
1 Midas Blenny
3 Bartlett's Anthias
1 Kole Tang (In quarantine tank for 22 days so far)
2 Cleaner Shrimps
Assorted snails and hermit crabs
<<Aside from the Tangs this is an assortment of fairly small fishes… The addition of this Serranid should be fine re your stocking capacity but do keep an eye out for any harassment from the Damsels>>
Benson Wong
<<Regards, Eric Russell>>

Is It Okay To Add The Male bimaculatus Anthias First? – 10/20/08
After over a year of searching for a trio (I've been unsuccessful in finding a group), I've given up and decided to pick up a 4.5" male Twinspot Anthias (Pseudanthias bimaculatus) in hopes of picking up two to three females sometime in the future. The male is currently in a 30 gallon quarantine and doing well, eating mysis and brine shrimp.
<<Very good>>
I've read conflicting reports that the females should be added first or at the same time as the male.
<<This is the consensus for the “best” chance of a successful grouping, yes>>
I had also read that there was a risk that by adding the females first, that the dominant female would eventually change to a male.
<<More than just a “risk” if left too long…best to add the male within a week of introducing the females, in my opinion>>
Lastly, I had read that it was possible that the male would likely bully females added after the male had been added.
<<This too is true>>
Will I be ok with adding two-three females with the male?
<<Possibly>>
Or is this asking for trouble?
<<The more females added at one time the more any aggression will be spread around…be aware that the females too will establish a dominance hierarchy among themselves. Three is a good number…five would be better (assuming the system can handle them)>>
The main tank is currently a 100 gallon set up over a year and a half old, FOWLR. The tank is currently inhabited by a pair of 1.5" Ocellaris Clowns, a 4" Raccoon Butterfly, a 4.5" Achilles Tang,
<<Mmm…a delicate species that needs a bigger tank than this>>
a 3.5" Queen Angel,
<<Also “too much fish” for this size tank>>
a 3" Mystery Wrasse, a 3" Algae Blenny, and a 3" Eibli Angel. I know, too many fish for a tank this size.
<<Not “too many” for the tank so much as just inappropriate species selection re>>
I have a 240 gallon tank currently being set up, which will be the FOWLR for the Queen Angel, Raccoon Butterfly, Eibli Angel, and probably the Achilles Tang with eventually more fish.
<<The Queen Angel can reach 20” in the wild…and the Achilles needs lots of swimming room (and lots of water flow). With an eye toward the future, I would be reluctant to add anything but a few very small fishes here>>
The 100 will be converted over to a reef with the clowns, mystery wrasse, algae blenny, and trio of bimaculatus Anthias.
<<Do be aware the Clowns may pose a problem re the Anthias…I have seen Damsels chase small Anthiines to the point they jump from the tank in an effort to escape>>
Which, by the way, would it be ok to add one of the fairy wrasses to the 100 with the mystery wrasse? Or will they fight?
<<A similar or smaller sized specimen will likely be attacked>>
I enjoy reading your site and many thanks in advance! –Wes
<<We are all happy to share. Regards, EricR>>

Anthias and Jaw Fish? Sel./Sys.    10/14/08
Hello Bob and Crew,
<Chris>
Thanks for the amazing resource!
<Welcome>
I have 2 stocking questions for you. I am currently upgrading what has been a very successful 30 gallon SPS dominated tank (yes, required lots of overkill equipment not normally seen on a system this small to maintain proper parameters) to a 65 gallon display with a 37 gallon sump and 20 gallon refugium. I will have approximately 50X turnover in the main display (non laminar flow, random to keep my SPS happy)
<Ahh! Much better, and easier to maintain>
Filtration for the new system will consist of an AquaC 180 skimmer, ~100 lbs of Fiji live rock and the fuge (on reverse daylight cycle).
I will be using a Phosban reactor and carbon reactor (carbon as needed) to maintain low PO4 and high clarity. The system will be running an AquaController maintained calcium reactor and Kalk reactor to maintain pH/Ca/Alk.
<Lots of automation>
My current stock includes a small flasher wrasse, a yellow assessor, a mandarin (eats mysis) and a Banggai cardinal. I also have a golden angel (Centropyge aurantius) that has been in my quarantine system that I would like to add to the new tank should it be able to prove itself generally uninterested in eating SPS corals clams and Acans.
<You'll see>
(small frags/a clam will be rotated through the QT system to assess this behavior as best as possible.) There are two additional species I would like to add but am wary of stocking capacity and fish behavior.
1) In the past, I have always maintained ~1 inch of sand in my reef tanks (which was vacuumed weekly as part of my water change routine).
I have read several opinions on this site and others re sand depth and this species. Do you think this fish
<... Opistognathus aurifrons?>
be reasonably content with 2-3 inches of sand and would it be okay to employ this much sand with a weekly/bi-weekly vacuuming regimes? I would rather not go into the uncharted territory of DSBs if I can help it (and would gladly forgo this specimen if need be).
<S/b fine here... may well pile up some of this material... No big deal>
2) The other slightly controversial addition that I would love to include but fear I may need to forgo is a m/f pair of some sort of Anthias. I have found hugely conflicting information in regard to the husbandry of these fish. I see that conspecific aggression is a major issue in haremic groupings between females or between two males. I have not been able to find any information about the behavior of a male female pair (particularly in the relatively small system)
Pseudanthias bartlettorum seems to be on the smaller end of the easier to maintain members of the group. Nemanthias carberryi also seems to be a smaller species that might be suitable (sources conflict on adult size). What are your thoughts on putting a m/f pair of these or other Anthias in the described system?
<Some species, as you state, can/do get along in smaller numbers, sex ratios in captivity. Bartlett's is a good choice here, but your system is getting a bit crowded...>
I do not anticipate adding additional fish to the system beyond this stock list.
Thanks for your time and input,
Chris
<And you for sharing. Bob Fenner>

Re: Anthias and Jaw Fish?  10/14/08
Hello Bob (and crew),
<Chris>
Thanks for your quick reply. My apology for not including the species of jaw fish I am looking to keep! I thought i had included that info but in retrospect i see that i did not! I wanted to house a single Opistognathus rosenblatti
<Ahh, named in honor of Dick Rosenblatt, of SIO here (in San Diego)...>
in the system. Will he work in the proposed environment?
Best regards,
Chris
<Mmm, I discourage its use here... this species really needs much deeper substrate, a much larger display to "feel comfortable"... it would too likely perish (or jump out) quickly here. The TWA "goldhead" would be a much more appropriate choice/try. Bob Fenner>

Fish Selection, Anthiines mostly    8/8/08
Dear WWM Crew,
<Alex>
First thanks for all of your help that you have provided me, you guys do a great service!!!
<Welcome>
So I am starting up my 90 gallon reef tank, which will be mostly SPS along with a few other LPS, Ricordea and Zooanthids to go along with it. I just wanted to run my fish list by you guys to see what you think:
1) Evansi Anthias
2) Purple Queen Anthias
3) Bartlett's Anthias
4) Ventralis Anthias
<Mmm, would select amongst these, go with one, two at most species... of a small odd number school... see WWM re Anthiines, Selection...>
5) Head Solon Fairy Wrasse
6) Green Mandarin
I have been reading a lot about the Anthias, and they all seem to get along with their co species, but the general consensus is that they are naturally seen in the wild in groups. So would this be an ok mix with all of these anthias, or should I try and get a school of Bartlett's anthias, and forget the others?
<Better the one, or... as stated above>
Another question I had is if I were to go with this selection of fish, in what order to you think I should add them, and how far apart should I let them get used to their new environment before adding another fish?
AJ
<The Callionymid last. Bob Fenner>

Lyretail Anthias Pair? 07/22/2008
Hi Crew,
<<Good afternoon, Andrew today>>
I recently purchased a male Lyretail Anthias for my 90 gallon. I was planning to keep him alone but he is such a wonderful fish that I'm now considering buying a female.
<<Hmmmm.. ok>>
I'm wondering if it would be OK to add a single female or if I would need to add two+ females to spread the aggression? I know these fish can be aggressive toward each other and want to make sure they can live together happily as a pair before I add a female. I don't feel I have room for more than one female in the tank so if a pair won't work
I'll keep the male by himself.
<<Given your tank size, and already placed male, I would give this a miss, as adding one or two females will lead to a lot of aggression and the inevitable mat happen, which I don't think is worth the risk>>
Thanks, Melissa
<<Thanks for the questions Melissa, I hope this helps. A Nixon>>

Anthias Selection – 05/27/08 Good Morning! <<Hello!>> Just a quick question for you guys. <<Okay>> I have a 75gal in the post, and I'm planning my stocking for it. There's gonna be a dwarf angel, a chromis, a trio of yellow-tail blue damsels and maybe a mandarin a year down the line. <<Mmm, a mature in-line refugium should be on this list as well…and well ahead of the Mandarin>> I would also like to add a solitary Anthias (I believe my tank is too small for a group?). <<Considering the other occupants, yes>> Would a single Anthias fare ok in this tank (with good water quality and frequent feedings obviously)? <<There are several species of Pseudanthias that can do well as “loners”>> If so, my supplier can get: Evansi, Dispar, Lori or Fathead. Which would you recommend, if any? <<Of those listed the Lori is the best choice considering its tankmates, though Pseudanthias lori will need some caves/overhangs to be able to get out of any bright lighting. The others you have listed do not make for good selections due being too delicate or too easily harassed by aggressive tankmates, in my estimation>> I prefer the Evansi or Dispar as I'm looking for something colourful to take centre-stage in the water column along with the Chromis. <<Better choices in my opinion; again considering the other fishes on your proposed stocklist, would be either a single Pseudanthias huchtii or single Pseudanthias squamipinnis (males of course)…or… if you don’t add more livestock than what you have listed already, you could probably get away with a specimen of Pseudanthias pleurotaenia>> I think reading your site that the Fathead is probably the hardiest, but most likely to hide? <<It would probably hide no more than the Lori…but would likely be bullied by the tankmates you plan to keep>> Cheers, Chris <<Whichever Anthiine specimen you choose, I would make this the “first” piscine addition to this tank. Regards, EricR>> Re: Anthias Selection – 05/28/08 Thank you so much for your reply. <<You are quite welcome>> WetWeb really is the place to come for level-headed advice. <<Ah! Thank you for the kind words>> I've been umming and arring about the Mandarin for some time. I think that unless I come across a healthy specimen in a shop that eats frozen/prepared food in front of me, then I'll give it a miss. <<Wise… And even then, it’s no guarantee it is receiving adequate nutrition for its long-term health…they really do need a largish, mature system with plenty of live rock for browsing…and all supported by a plankton generating refugium>> After reading the faq's on your site I've decided to drop the idea of an anthias. <<Honestly…considering the size of your system this too is a wise decision. There are lots of interesting and hardy fishes that” will” do well in your tank>> I'll also drop one of the damsels, <<Mmm…actually, a trio of these little bullies is likely better… to help spread aggressions. Unless you are able to come across/obtain a “natural” pair>> get a couple more chromis and a royal Gramma…so my new stocking plan is: Dwarf angel 2 yellowtail blue damsels <<I would keep this at ‘3’>> 3 chromis Royal Gramma. The dwarf angel I'm considering is a bicolour. <<Can be difficult…>> Well, my head says coral beauty would be a safer choice, <<Yes… If a healthy/undamaged specimen is obtained. The Coral Beauty is susceptible to damage from handling/transport…but can otherwise prove to be a hardy aquarium specimen. I kept one of these in my reef system when I lived in Ipswich, a number of years back>> but my heart says bicolour! <<My vote goes to my personal favorite the Flame Angel (Centropyge loricula). These are little fish that are hardier than both of the previous species mentioned and that adapt readily to aquarium life>> What stocking order would you suggest? <Hmm…Royal Gramma first…then the Dwarf Angel…followed by the Damsels (Chromis or Yellowtail) in no particular order>> Cheers again. Chris <<Be chatting, Eric Russell>>

Anthias Stocking 04/11/2008
Greetings WWM Crew!
<<Hello, Andrew today>>
Great site. Indispensible. Kudos all around.
<<Many thanks>>
Some background info then my very first question to the WWM crew... 150g reef, 180lbs live rock, DSB, 8 Aquarium Systems model 1200 power heads w/ 6 of them on 2 Natural Wave timers, lighting is PC's & VHO, 632 watts total, sump, in-sump skimmer, 16g refugium with 8 peppermint shrimp, Astrea snails and alternating lighting. My interest lies mostly with as many varieties of compatible fish I can house without overtaxing the system.
<<Sounds good>>
I also have soft corals such as star polyps, mushrooms and various leathers along with a clean up crew of Blueleg hermits and Astrea snails. The system was set up in 2001. At it's peak I had 5 Bartlett's Anthias (Pseudanthias bartlettorum), 3 large Green Chromis (Chromis viridis), a pair of Maroon Clowns (Premnas biaculatus), one Powder Brown Tang (Acanthurus japonicus), Hippo tang (Paracanthurus hepatus), Flame Angel (Centropyge loricula), Emperor Angel (Pomacanthus imperator) (no problems between them either since the P. imperator was introduced as a juvenile after the Flame. He is now a sub-adult and awesome!).
<<Good>>
Things were going along very well until I changed jobs that required a lot of travel and then a very serious illness. Needless to say maintenance suffered and casualties mounted. Surviving are star polyps, mushrooms, cabbage leather, the Emperor Angel, Hippo Tang and the Maroon clownfish.
<<A shame to hear about the illness etc>>
About a year ago I became well enough and started to get the system going again with a massive maintenance, water changes, lowered lighting wattage and photo period to reduce algae problems, rotated LR to a quarantine system, cleaned it of detritus and algae then returning to the display tank, cleaned, vacuumed, scrubbed and re-arranged. I've done this relatively slowly so as to not shock the survivors. I love them all. I did remove the Maroon clowns as the female became increasing belligerent towards her tankmates as per their normal behavior. However, this included the Emperor although, thankfully, no serious fisticuffs. My issue with her also had to do with constantly digging up the DSB. Current status:
Looking good again but still have not yet added back the VHO lighting nor added any new corals. I'm running 384 watts of PC's right now. Fish are alert, active, eating well and coral polyps fully extended. Since we're back on track I thought it time to add a few new fish.
<<Really good to hear its all getting the glory back>>
I went to my LFS to browse but with the idea to get a few Green Chromis. Alas, none
available. Ah, but he did have an immature pair of Tonozuka's Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus tonozukai) at such a reasonable cost I couldn't resist.
<<beautiful fish>>
They adapted quickly, swimming all over the tank, alert and eating well. I can't wait to see them mature! At the time of my visit he also had a very good looking pair of Square-Spot Anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia). I was tempted but resisted the impulse since I know to go slowly. Plus, it was just a pair. I would have preferred to add 3-5 at one time. The next week I visited the LFS again and the pair of Square-Spot Anthias were still there. Still looking good and on sale at a price even better than some online outlets! You know what happened next, right?
They too, have adapted quickly, swimming out in the open, alert and eating very well. Both male and female appear to "get along" or, behave normally as you would expect from this species. The male will occasionally chase the female into a cave or overhang if she lingers near him in the open too long. She looks none the worse for wear and immediately peeks out from another crevice.
<<Do be aware that these are more a fragile fish of this family, seem to suffer from "mysterious deaths" all too often>>
She appears cautious and alert for the male but no fear. Both will feed together along with the rest of the population. Both cruise the entire tank and both may be at either end or at the same end with the male above and the female nearer the bottom. They have been in my system for 3 weeks at this point. So far, going very well... Now we're getting to my question...
Whew! Ideally, I would like to house a small harem of P. pleurotaenia. I do understand "ideally" and a captive system may not be compatible.
Would you say it safe to add 2-3 female Square-Spot Anthias with the current pair? I have seen on the WWM site a recommendation to leave it at a pair in a smaller system. Other sites simply say to house one male and X number of females depending on system size. My concern is the addition of females after the first pair. Even in my larger system.
<<I would just keep it as you are with the pair, i feel that adding anymore of this SP. of fish, in your tank size is going to asking for issues. They are not the easiest fish to keep as it is>>
Anyways, thanks for reading my story and I appreciate very much all your work on this site. Regards, John
<<Thanks for all the questions, and nice story. Hope this helps. A Nixon>>

Anthiinae Placement/Chaetomorpha Growth – 02/08/08
Hey crew,
<<Hello>>
This is my first time writing, though I've been visiting your web site for almost a year now.
<<Welcome then… How may I assist?>>
Because of WWM and very a helpful LFS (ALL ABOUT FISH in Concord, CA) my 125g long is a thriving soft/LPSs reef.
<<Ah, very nice to know>>
My current stock:
1- 6" Blonde Naso
1- 5" Emperor Angel
<<Do be aware, this tank is not large enough for the above mentioned fishes for the long-term. As these grow they will need twice this volume to preclude developmental/behavioral/health issues>>
1-2.5" Purple Firefish
1 large Colt Coral
1 med Frogspawn
Misc. mushrooms, hermit crabs, snails, etc...
I have a 40g ‘fuge (Chaetomorpha)
<<Excellent>>
Euro-reef RS100 skimmer
<<I do like this brand of skimmer… I have an (old?) CS12-3 that a couple of the Sedra pumps just died on. I replaced all with a trio of the ER-modded Eheim 1262 pumps and WOW…falling in love with this skimmer all over again! …but enough about me [sheepish-grin]>>
There are no water quality issues; I do 20g weekly water changes, sometimes more.
<<This “is” about the single-best thing hobbyists can do for their systems>>
My Emperor and Naso are my "Pets" and will readily eat out of my hand.
<<Yes, can become quite “personable”>>
After several months of waiting, my LFS received 9 Bartlett’s Anthias (1 male, 8 female).
<<A very aquarium hardy species>>
Would this be too many?
<<Right now, no…but do keep in mind the future requirements of the tang and angel>>
How long to qt?
<<I don’t recommend quarantine for Anthiines…best to place directly in the display>>
I have a 29g FOWLR (6 months old or set up my 55g (would be bare) what would be the best protocol?
<<As stated>>
Also I have read/heard conflicting facts on the growth of Chaetomorpha algae. I have a very slow growth rate. I have 40 watts of PC lighting on a reverse cycle. PO4 is undetectable, NO3 10-15 (API and Red Sea test kits) any thoughts or suggestions?
<<A couple… Try boosting both light intensity (65w+) and spectral quality (5000K-6500K), and flow (add a small powerhead for circulation) to the refugium. Regards, EricR>>

Re: Anthiinae Placement/Chaetomorpha Growth - 02/08/08
Thank you for your speedy response!
<<You are quite welcome!>>
I've been driving myself crazy over all of this.
<<Oh?>>
I have been putting together plans for a 240g long.
<<Ahh! And a much better home for the Naso Tang and Emperor Angel than the 125g>>
I have a Contractor building a stand/canopy for this tank size with matching sides (to keep the wife happy about the whole thing, she chose color, style.....).
<<Wise fella…>>
Constantly thumbing through your "Facts" for advise/set-up info before transferring all livestock from the 125.
<<Do let me know if I can be of assistance re… I have a self-installed in-wall 375g reef biotope display with 75g sump and 55g inline refugium…auto top-up, semi-auto water change, etc…and lots of opinions [big-grin]>>
No other livestock will be added; I know the Angel and Naso need their space.
<<Very good to know, mate. And that shoal of ten small Anthiines will be a sweet little accent to these two very showy fishes>>
Hopefully much happier in a 8ft then in a tall 6ft.
<<Yes>>
When done would love to send you photo's.
<<Please do!>>
Once again, thank you very much.
<<Very happy to help my friend. Eric Russell>>

Anthias with black tips on fins, beh.   12/16/07 Hello, I noticed within the past few days that one of my Lyretail Anthias' bottom fins have a blackness on the very tips. I thought it may be the beginning of fin & tail rot, but the fins are not tattered at all; Also he is behaving quite normally, being very active as usual. Any ideas of what it is and what I should do? <Highly likely nothing... What species is this? Can you send along an image, pic?> Tank is 90 gallons, 75lbs of live rock, live sand, hermit crabs & various snails. Two Lyretail Anthias. (No other fish. The tank is only 3 months old). Skimmer. I feed the Anthias Mysis shrimp (frozen), Sweetwater zooplankton, Cyclopeeze, and sometimes they actually eat omega flakes with garlic. <Is this Pseudanthias squamipinnis? Might be that one is "turning" into a male... or more male... BTW, this and most other species of the subfamily (Anthiinae) are better kept in small odd numbered shoals in such small volumes as yours. Bob Fenner> Re: Anthias with black tips on fins Thanks for the quick reply, Bob. Yes, the fish is a Squamipinnis and I am fairly certain that the other one, which is orange, is the same species but female. The orange Anthias was labeled as a Dispar at the LFS. Maybe you can confirm it for me from the pics. <Mmm, definitely not a Dispar... looks to me to be a sub-adult male of the same species... Squamipinnis... note the colored dot on the pectorals, the overall salmon coloring... Has progressed beyond being a female... Likely a factor here in the more darkened fin margins of its conspecific here> I do realize after much reading on this site that a pair of Anthias may not have been ideal, but these two seem to get along quite well, swimming together and such. Every so often the male will chase and try to nip at the female, <Actually... the more male and less male...> but the female just jets out of the way unbothered and sometimes even nips back. I also forgot to mention that there was a bruise on the male (same one with the black tips) and thought maybe it could be related. The bruise seems to be healing though; As of today it is almost gone. <Enjoy them! If introducing other individuals... get smaller, definitely unsexually differentiated or female individuals. See Fishbase.org, WWM... for pix. Bob Fenner>

Help with possible bacterial infection? Anthias hlth., sel.  -11/18/07
Hello crew,
<Harry>
I had purchased 3 Bartlett's Anthias from a LFS. They were eating fine at the store and looked healthy. I brought them home and put them in my 10G QT (small I know) but I didn't know that Anthias need a bigger QT, I do now.
All was well for 5 days, then they stopped eating and were staying down at the bottom and they were rapidly breathing and 1 was flashing on the bottom of the tank I think. they showed no interest in food at all.
<I hope you moved them post haste>
Someone suggested maybe it was stress related due to the small space, so I moved them to a spare 40g holding tank that has live rock, mushrooms and various other coral that I don't know what to do with yet. The morning after I woke up to find that 2 of the Anthias had no tails at all. It was like they rotted off or something ate them off. Someone suggested maybe it was Marine velvet.
<Mmm, no. IF Amyloodinium they'd be dead>
I looked up the symptoms but I'm not sure. Could it have been aggression related.
<Only barely>
The first Anthias to die out of the 3 looked normal its tail was intact, no visible injuries. the other 2 who's bodies looked like they were rotting away died the day after. Could it be bacterial in nature?
<After effect, yes... as in decomposition. Root causal, no>
I'm hoping that it is Marine velvet because a fallow period in the 40 will eradicate it. Now what if it is bacterial or viral what do I do with all the live rock and coral that is in the 40 that I infected. How do I treat the rock and coral with out killing it. Will a fallow period work with bacterial infections.
Any information on what it could have been would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Harry
<I have high confidence that the "cause" here is/was simply stress... Anthiines almost always need larger quarters to feel safe... and Bartlett's are a highly anxious species... By and large I advise simply placing them sans other protocols, including quarantine, dipping... Bob Fenner>

Re: Life after ich, dither fish  – 10/18/07
Hi Bob,
<Stan>
I do have room (360 gallon tank). I have several Bartlett anthias on order.
<Ah, a good species selection here>
I also have a gold band maroon clown and a mystery wrasse in the quarantine tank. I also have a firefish and a zebra goby the main tank as well. I will add more smaller fish in the future. Thank you for all your help. My tank is looking very healthy but keeping my fingers cross.
Stan
<Life to you my friend. Bob Fenner>

Lyretail Anthias... comp., sel., sys.   9/27/07
I was thinking off purchasing some lyretail anthias
<Likely Pseudanthias squamipinnis>
for my 72 gallon tank.
Upon doing my homework all seemed to be well as this is the hardiest of the anthias but then I read some questions I found disconcerting about the
fishes attacking each other.
<Mmm, yes... they live in large to very large shoals in their wide geographic range... establish and challenge "pecking orders" and ranging males continuously>
Should I purchase 4 female Anthias for my tank with the assumption one would turn male or is it better to buy 3 females and one male?
<Either way... but definitely only one certain male in a volume of this (small) size>
I plan to QT them for a month
<Mmm, for fishes as these... small, continuous zooplanktivores... a shorter duration, even just a dip/bath and a prayer, may prove more prudent... to forego starvation and its ill-effects>
but will them being in the confined space of a 10 gallon QT tank lead them to aggression?
<Oh yes... and over-stress in general>
And lastly along with the 4 Anthias I have 2 ocellaris clowns, neon goby, blue-green Chromis and plan on getting a flame angel and royal Gramma. Is
this to much for my tank?
<Mmm, is right about some sort of maximum>
I have 100 lbs of live rock and a good skimmer.
Thanks for the help.
Adam
<Thank you for writing, sharing. Bob Fenner>

Adding Anthiines/Compatibility Issues – 09/06/07
Hello Crew,
<<Howdy>>
I would like to start keeping Anthias (probably Bartlett's), but I am unsure if there will be compatibility issues with my current livestock. I would appreciate any opinions/advice you have.
<<I’m happy to share>>
Current setup: 150 gallon 3 year old lightly stocked reef, 160 lbs live rock, 2x250watt MH, Euro-Reef RS180, 50 gallon sump w/refugium.
Livestock :
1 Black Cap Basslet
3 Pajama Cardinals
3 Clown Gobies
2 Neon Gobies
1 Pearly Jawfish
1 Ocellaris Clownfish
1 Crocea clam
1 Derasa clam
Various Coral
Thanks for your help.
<<Adding some Anthias shouldn’t be a problem...and Bartlett’s are an excellent choice here. Do be aware they can be quite skittish when first introduced and might jump if startled/chased by other fishes (though I think this is a small concern re your stock list). This usually is not an issue once the Anthiines become established...and placing some plastic eggcrate material over the tank opening(s) for a week or two initially may help to keep them in the water where they belong. Regards, EricR>>

Anthias/bioload and urchins - 7/20/07
I am currently stocking my 72 gallon FOWLR tank my current tankmates are 2 ocellaris clowns, 1 neon goby, 1 blue/green chromis, 1 flame angel (still in QT) 2 cleaner shrimp and various snails and emerald crabs. I will also be buying a 6 line wrasse and royal Gramma. I had intend on getting a school of chromis for my tank but after purchasing 5 they started knocking each other off until only 1 was left. I was thinking about purchasing some anthias but because of the cost and how sensitive they are to water conditions ( I am a newbie to saltwater- tank has been running for 5 months) I was a little leery about purchasing them. I think that I will though as with all the incredible help I receive from the internet has turned a relative newbie into someone secure in running their tank. Anyway I was wondering how many anthias I can purchase without overloading my tank. I know I have to buy 1 male and the rest females. What do you suggest?
I was also interested in purchasing an urchin. I have done some homework on them and I think they should be OK in my tank but what type of urchin would you recommend for my tank. Thanks for the help.
Adam
>>>Hello Adam, Jim here.
Given all the fish you have, and the fact that you will be adding a Royal Gramma and a Sixline wrasse (add the Sixline last) I think you're fully stocked.
My advice, for several reasons, (even though you haven't told me what species of anthias you're looking at) let go of the anthias idea.
Cheers
Jim<<<>And the urchin? RMF<

Room for Anthias? 7/5/07
Bob,
Tank is 90 Gallon with a 25 gallon Sump. Currently Occupants are Foxface and Dog Face Puffer (once he emerges from quarantine). Do you think I have room for a trio of Anthias?
Thanks
Roy
<Might be bothered to munched by the true puffer... Do pick out a "good" species if you go this route... See WWM re Anthiine Selection. Bob Fenner>

Re: Room for Anthias? 7/9/07
Bob,
Would I be better off then with a few Damsel instead of the Anthias or would they just spook the Foxface?
Roy
<Either should work out... B>

Tangs and Anthias in a display at my fish store   6/13/07
Hello!
I have been reading your FAQS/articles for a number of years now and have finally encountered a question that I could not find an answer for on the site.
<There are, assuredly... lifetimes of these!>
I am in the final stages of opening a fish store and I have 3 large acrylic tanks (they are 8 ft. x 4 ft. x 18 in., holding roughly 300-350 gallons of water apiece, not including the sumps). These tanks will be for selling corals out of
<Mmm, please pardon (my usual) kibitzing... but why so deep? Cheaper, easier to work in, illuminate specimens in shallower water...>
and I would like to keep in each of these tanks, a handful of 'show' fish which won't be for sale.
<A good idea... to add interest, keep some pests (algae, snails, worms...) reduced... Nice place for store "mascots">
In one of these I would like to keep Surgeons. My question is: what would be your suggestions as to how many would be a good number and what specific types of tangs do you think will do well together?
<Mmm, better for each tank/system to have just one species/genus really... Likely a Zebrasoma, Ctenochaetus... perhaps a smaller Acanthurus...>
I have successfully kept (and still keep in my tanks at home) a yellow and hippo/regal tang in a 125g for close to 5 years now, but I would like to have something different and maybe not quite so 'common' for display at the store.
<I understand... there are several choices...>
I hope this is not getting to be too much but I would also like to keep a school of Squarespot Anthias in the second of these three tanks, and was wondering what your suggestions would be as to how big of a school I should have; and what male:female ratio you would suggest. (The anthias would be the only fish in this tank)
<Mmm, one alpha male... perhaps a couple of already not-quite so alpha males along with... and an odd number of sexually indeterminate juveniles/females... a total of under twenty>
(I know you're probably waiting for my questions about the third tank now, but I really don't have a clue as to what I want to keep in that one yet....so if you have any suggestions....) ;)
<Oh... this will come to you in time...>
Please feel free to edit my letter in any way you see fit, especially my 'subject' line as I couldn't really think of a completely appropriate way to word it.
Thank you in advance for your time and your advice, it is very much appreciated.
Nicole
P.S. I would like to thank you all for your FAQS/articles on the aquatics business as they have helped us tremendously in getting our business set up.
<Congratulations on your new enterprise! Please do send along your URL for our posting, promotion when you have this up and going. Bob Fenner>

Anthias pairing 5/17/07
Hello WWM crew,
<Hi Allegra (the person, not Fexofenadine HCL I presume) Mich here.>
  My question is about the idea of finding a mate for my Hawaiian Bicolor Anthias. Bob F. had mentioned that this type of anthias is more likely to get lonely and it would be better for him to have a female around (the fish, not Bob).
<Heeeee!  Perhaps Bob could give your anthias some lessons on charming the ladies.>
Here's the rub...there isn't much coming out of Hawaii currently, so the search is getting hard. What are the chances of a similar looking female, such as a Bartlett, filling the bill?
<Not likely.  A different species.  Would you be happy with a monkey as a life partner?>
I hope it doesn't take a couple of females or more to make this guy happy (again the fish, not Bob).
<Heeheeeee!  The fish may be happy with one, Bob on the other hand... >
Thanks,
Allegra
<Welcome!  Mich>

Re: Anthias pairing   5/18/07
Hi Mitch,
<Hello again Allegra!>
  I'm glad I brought some humor to your day!
<Me too!  Thank you!>
You're right, my husband might act like a monkey, but I don't need to put a diaper on him. ;-)
<Hee!  Yet...>
  I'll keep looking for Ms. bicolor anthias somewhere out there...(sounds like a corny song).
<I hope you find her!  Perhaps beneath the pale moonlight...>
  Allegra
<Cheers!  Mich>

Pairing Different Anthiine Species? – 06/04/07
Hi WWM crew,
<<Greetings Allegra>>
This question is about a Hawaiian Bicolor male Anthias I acquired a month ago.
<<Okay>>
Bob F. had made a comment about finding him a girl given that this particular type of anthias is more prone to loneliness when kept singly.
<<Indeed>>
Whether Bob is being sentimental or not,
<<Just a big softie...>><Am>
I would like to entertain the idea of a female joining him (the fish, not Bob).
<<Ha!!! Bob will be soooo disappointed!>><Ditto>
Here's the rub...there is little being exported out of Hawaii currently,
<<Mmm, not the first time I’ve heard this...even my friend here in “the biz” has stated same>>
so what is the chance a similar; say Bartlett, female could be introduced instead?
<<These Anthiines will coexist in an aquarium, but they never truly “mix”...at least not in my experience. I’ve observed these two particular species together; as well as other mixes, and though the two may “hang about” with each other, there likely won’t be any true “pairing,” and thus a lack of the “stimuli” afforded a true species bond. Very much unlike Bob, who is quite happy when ANY female shows him a bit of attention...>><Heeee! Tis so. RMF>
I hope it won't take more than one female to keep the boy happy (don't say it!).
<<Er, but, um, okay...dang it!>>
Thanks for the help,
Allegra
<<Happy to share. EricR>>

Lyretail Anthias For An Eight-Foot Display?    5/15/07
Hi crew,
<<Hello Matt>>
I would like to get a group of Lyretail Anthias for my 8x2x2 SPS reef.
<<A fine choice!  One of the larger and hardier species commonly available and are great for larger systems ... and is what I have in my own 8x2.5x2.5 SPS reef>>
I have read/been advised to purchase anywhere between 6 and 12 fish.
<<Ok>>
What would your recommendation be?
<<I have 5 (1-male, 4-female) at the moment, and this is about as “few” as you want for reasons of spreading aggression.  I think a group of twelve (with only one male) would be fine for your tank>>
I was thinking of 12, however I have read that if you do not get the ratio right for a given tank size that you could end up with two females developing into males and trying to split the harem.......
<<Not really...  Even in an eight-foot tank, with these large Anthiines a single male will control the entire tank.  Inadvertently introducing two males would result in the less dominate male being harassed to the point of starvation/death from the continued stress, and is why I emphasize a “single male” for your group>>
Whatever the number, my plan would be to special-order a group of females and introduce them all at the same time.
<<This is quite acceptable...but let me suggest you acquire a “wild caught” male instead.  I have observed “tank converted” Lyretail males on several occasions and their color/color patterns are noticeably different in my experience...and while they are still beautiful fishes, they are never quite as spectacular/intense as the wild caught males in my opinion.  Most apparent on the “captive made” males is the lack/lessening of color to the finnage as compared to the wild caught males, most notably the missing “blotches” of red on the pectoral fins...>>
Thanks,
Regards,
Matt
<<A pleasure to share.  Eric Russell>>

Pseudanthias bicolor sel.  - 04/20/07
Thanks Bob for the thumbs up. My only confusion is the repeated advise to only keep 1 anthias per tank unless there is room for a "harem".
<Mmm, this species is a bit different from a/the "mainstream" anthiines... lives amongst a rock patch... less inclined to one-alpha male assemblages...>
Are the bi-color's less aggressive towards each other, whether male or female?
<Yes>
Would another one fit into the stocking list of a 100gl tank?
<I do think so... and would make for a more interesting display... perhaps a male and a smaller female. Do please see here re sexing: http://fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=7874
BobF>
  Appreciate the impute,
  Allegra

Tang compatibility and introduction order  3/28/07
Hello WWM crew!
<Marc>
First off, let me congratulate you on your web site, there so much info found on it (though it sometimes takes a long time finding it, since it is so huge, but, hey, no big deal).
I currently have a 125 gallons reef tank (Perfecto, 72x18x22) with a 60 gallons sump (with something like 50 gallons of water in it). My return pump is a Velocity T4 (1500 GPH) which also feeds the refugium section of my sump (in which I just added light with a small ball of Chaetomorpha). I have 2 Seio 1500 et 1 820 (for approximately 30X) for water motion. The filtration of this tank is accomplished by approximately 140 pounds of LR (mix of Fiji, Sulawesi and Brazilian) and a Beckett Protein skimmer (46" tall, diameter of 8") with an Iwaki MD100RLT pump in recirculation and fed by a Mag7. It is lit by 2 250W MH bulbs and 2 6' VHO (165W each).
Now for the livestock. I only have a couple of corals for now (the tank has only been up and running since November 2006), but I plan to add more as it matures.
I have :
- Iridis wrasse (Halichoeres iridis)
- Yellow tail damsel
- Green clown goby (Gobiodon atrangulatus
- Lawnmower blenny (Salarias fasciatus)
- Banggai cardinal (Pterapogon kaudneri
- 3 peppermint shrimps (Lysmata wurdemanni, which made a terrific job on Aiptasia :)
- 2 cleaner shrimps (Lysmata amboinensis)
- Several hermit crabs and snails
The 2 cleaner shrimps and the iridis wrasse were added 4 days ago. The cleaners are doing great and have taken cleaning station on a rock (haven't seen them clean a fish yet though). The wrasse is also doing good, besides the fact that it had me worried the second and third day. It buried itself in the sand for the night (which I've heard/read is normal for these fishes), but didn't come out until 9 pm (my lights are on from noon to midnight)! Today, I don't know at what time it came out, but when I came home at 5 pm, it was already swimming nicely. It easily accepted frozen food, but was reticent with flakes for the first 2 days.
<Don't really eat much dried/prepared food>
So, my question was (sorry for the long intro!) : I wish to add tangs to my setup (not right now, maybe in a couple of months) and would like your advice on the species I've selected. I'd like to add :
- Achilles tang (Acanthurus achilles)
<Yikes... not easily kept in captivity, and very prone to protozoan complaints>
- Blue hippo tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)
- Desjardini sailfin tang (Zebrasoma desjardini
<A gorgeous species... but does get very large...>
My concern is mainly about the achilles (and a little about the hippo). I've read/heard it wasn't a very hardy fish. What advice could you give me on that fish?
<Mmm, just that... I would hold off for now on an Achilles... really do much better in very mature, large systems... the other two would be okay here>
To reduce aggression between the tangs I plan to add all three of them simultaneously. Do you think this is a bad idea?
<Mmm... well, I would likely place the Paracanthurus first... wait a few weeks, then the Zebrasoma... not so much that they will fight to the point of real damage, but the increase in bio-load, the change in dynamic with the other livestock... less stressful to stagger here... and leave out the Achilles>
Also, some people told me the hippo tang needs a larger tank once at full size. What is your opinion on that?
<Likely will be fine here for a very long time>
Here are the other fishes I would like to add (in the order I would add them)
- Pair of percula clownfish (Amphiprion percula)
- One or two purple firefish (Nemateleotris decora)
<Two would be far better than one>
- Green mandarin (Synchiropus splendidus)
- Bellus angelfish (Genicanthus bellus)
- A butterfly, probably a longnose (Forcipiger flavissimus or the longirostris)
- Tangs!
I would also like to introduce schooling fishes. I had some chromis before (Chromis viridis). They are nice fish, but I'd like something more colorful.
I thought about anthias, but some can be hard and require frequent feeding to ensure success.
<Mmm, do look around... seek out a grouping that are not "too" thin... there are some quite hardy species for a setting like yours>
Which would you recommend and how many would you put in my setup?
<Please see WWM re the Anthiines... likely two species... Perhaps squamipinnis and Bartlett's... but there are several other choices>
I also recently discovered the chalk bass (Serranus tortugarum) which gets along well in groups. Do you have any advice on this fish?
<Mmm... well... I'd rather see this kept with other tropical West Atlantic species, settings>
Finally, I'd like to know your opinion on my fish list and introduction order. Anything that wouldn't get along?
Thank you very much,
Marc.
<Looks fine to me. Bob Fenner>

Re: Tang compatibility and introduction order  3/28/07
Thank you very much for your reply. Regarding the Achilles, if I do introduce one in my system, it shouldn't be before quite some time.
<Correct>
I'll wait until my system has matured and it shall be my last addition.
<Very good... I do wish you were out here with me, diving in Hawai'i, seeing this fish, going out with collector friends... feeling how soft-bodied this Acanthurus is... how easily damaged... Perhaps only time, personal experience will bring to your awareness the fragility of this species>
And on the anthias, these were the two species I retained. I might go with the Bartlett's.
<Ahh, a good choice... do look for some "freshly arrived" grouping... 3,5,7 individuals...>
Again, thank you very much and keep up the good work,
Regards,
Marc.
<Welcome my friend. Am trying. BobF>

Ventralis anthias in my 90 gal  – 03/15/07
Hi Bob,
In the last email I sent, you were saying it would be best to keep  Ventralis Anthias in groups for their health and happiness. In a 90 gallon tank  would the male become aggressive if I add a couple females, or should they  settle in fine?
<This latter>
I had bought the one male because I was concerned about  aggression, in my earlier times of marine aquarium keeping I had a rather scary  incident with squampinnis anthias and a 2 week "war" that ended with 4 dead  fish (not anthias) and 2 anthias left out of a group of 9! Needless to say I  have been much more careful with them ever since. I don't have any experience  yet with Ventralis Anthias, this species is new to me, the male I have is doing  well so far, not thin, very active and doesn't hide one bit in his quarantine  tank.
With my fairly heavy stock list would you recommend more anthias?
<Mmm, well, more space would be of obvious advantage... You could try just one (slightly smaller) female... if two, one decidedly much smaller than the others (also female). Bob Fenner>
below is the copy of my previous email.
Brian

Anthiines for a 75 Gallon Reef - 11/07/06
Hey guys,
<<Gals here too...>>
I have a 75-gallon LPS reef with a 50-gallon breeder as my refugium.
<<Neat!>>
I have a purple tang, yellow watchman goby (hardly ever see him), true perc., and a black perc..
<<Mmm, the tank is really too small for the purple tang...in my opinion>>
Is there any male/ 2 female anthias that you recommend for this system?
<<Pseudanthias bartlettorum (Bartlett's Anthias) are relatively small and supremely hardy...as anthias go>>
Or what anthias do you recommend to keep one by themselves in this system?
<<The Bartlett's anthias can also be kept singly, and Pseudanthias squamipinnis (Lyretail Anthias) are fairly hardy though larger Anthiines that will be fine as a single specimen>>
Thanks,
Greg
<<Happy to assist, EricR>>

Lyretail Anthias...Females Turning to Males - 10/06/06
Good evening.
<<Hello>>
I recently purchased 3 female Lyretail Anthias, and they all appear to be healthy and getting along with one another.
<<Excellent...one of the better/hardier species for aquarium keeping in my opinion>>
I was wondering if the most dominant will eventually become male?
<<Indeed she will>>
How long does this normally take?
<<Hmm...have seen it begin almost immediately...completed in as little as a few weeks time>>
I know all Anthias can undergo a sex-change when a harem's male dies, but I was unsure about my situation because they were all female.
<<No worries mate, the dominant female will "convert."  You may even want to consider adding another female to spread the aggression among "pecking order" of the remaining females.  Having "too few' can sometimes be worse than having too many>>
Sorry if this was a silly question.
<<Not at all my friend>>
Dan
<<Regards, EricR>>

Dispar or Purple Queen...Which Anthias Species is More Suitable? - 07/22/06
Hello WWM crew,
<<Howdy Joe>>
Love your site and what you do for the aquarists world.
<<As Anthony C. was so fond of saying..."is a labor of love">>
I own both Bob's and Anthony's books "some of the best reading available for the hobby IMO".
<<Am much in agreement with you my friend>>
I am currently interested in keeping some of the before mentioned Anthias in my system and I want to know which would be better suited.
<<Not as flashy as the other, but a beauty in its own right, the Dispar is much better suited for aquarium life over the Purple Queen.  Do peruse Bob's two-part article on Anthiinae here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anthiina.htm>>
And your advice in how to do so...  My current system info is as follows:
210 gallon acrylic bow front 60x30x30 with 50 gallon sump...mostly SPS coral...lots of caves with a mix of Tonga branch and Fiji live rock about 180lbs.  2x250 MH 14000K with 240W actinic on timers...
1/3 hp JBJ chiller temp between 77-79...Korallin calcium reactor...Red Sea ozone 100mg with controller set at 25mg per hour...ASM G4 skimmer...2 Dolphin Amp-Master 3000 pumps one for return and one on a closed-loop...25 gallons a week water change regimen with Instant Ocean...all water parameters to SPS coral requirements.  Tank is very stable.
My current inhabitants:
5"Powder Blue tang
Pearly jaw fish
Synchiropus splendidus/mandarin
Red velvet wrasse
Midas blenny
Bicolor blenny
Pseudochromis fridmani/purple
Skunk cleaner shrimp
Coral banded shrimp
Sally lightfoot crab
3 Emerald crabs
Assorted snails
I feed a mixture of Cyclop-Eeze, oyster eggs, DT's phyto-plankton, Selcon,  Mysid, a pre-made angel/butterfly frozen food and Nori.
My wife and I really love these Anthias and would love to have 1 male and 2 females, what do you recommend?
<<Considering your current stocking level/system size/setup, I think a male Dispar Anthias with 3-5 females would be fine here>>
Thanks in advance
Joe
<<Is my pleasure to assist.  Regards, EricR>>

Squareback Anthias...Not a Beginner Fish - 06/28/06
Hello,
<<Howdy>>
I found your website last night and I've barely been away from it to sleep since!  I can't express how fantastic it is to discover all of the seemingly impossible-to-find info on the saltwater hobby gathered in one place on the net.
<<Ay...gobs of info to absorb...>>
Thank you for saving me many headaches :)
<<Welcome...a collaborative effort>>
Though we had a reef tank years ago that thrived nicely, it's been several years since and I feel out of the loop with all the current ideas and technology.
<<Yes...new ideas/discoveries/advancements...>>
My concerns actually arose while reading several of your previously answered letters.
<<Oh?>>
My 55 gallon tank was cycled with 40 pounds of live rock and a couple hermit crabs for 2 months.  A couple weeks after the test kits showed my water was of near perfect quality, with zero on ammonia and nitrites and very minimal nitrates,
<<Mmm, would have expected this to be "zero" as well>>
I bought my first fish - a super cute Squareback Anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia) male.
<<A fish for advanced hobbyists...in my opinion.  Often starve to death...or just die "mysteriously"...>>
He's been in my tank for two days, off and on coming out from his cubby hole in the rock.
<<No quarantine eh?>>
I tried to feed a pinch of frozen krill this evening, but he seemed frightened by either my close proximity or the opening of the canopy lid.
<<My experience with this species has been that it is generally quite bold.  Perhaps the fish is still "skittish" from the stresses of collection/transportation.  Adding a couple small "dither" fish might help to make the squareback feel more comfortable as well>>
I'd left him completely alone before trying to feed him so he could settle in, and I figured it wasn't abnormal behavior when he didn't eat at the first attempt.
<<Is not uncommon...but you need to keep trying to get this fish to feed.  The sooner it starts, the better>>
Are these fish too tough to keep for a semi-novice, and do you think my tank specs are enough to keep him happy?
<<The tank sounds fine for a single specimen of this species, though ideally you would have let it "mature" for 6-12 months before attempting this fish.  But as stated earlier, Pseudanthias pleurotaenia can be tough to keep alive.  I would like to suggest you obtain some frozen Mysis shrimp along with my favorite for getting finicky fish to start feeding...glass worms...aka - mosquito larvae.  And give these a soak in Selcon prior to feeding>>
Also, if he does prove difficult to feed, should I try to gather a harem of girly squarebacks to boost his ego??
<<I have seen this species kept in groups in large systems (several hundred gallons), but I strongly recommend you don't try this in a 55...would most likely end badly for all but one...even if they begin to eat.  But adding a couple small, hardy fish may go a long way towards getting the squareback to begin feeding>>
He did eat some frozen krill at the store, and was swimming around happily showing off his almost neon pink coloration.
<<Ah yes, a beautiful fish...one of my wife's favorites>>
The research I'd done on the web told me that these were somewhat hardy individuals and that keeping one male in a 55 would be acceptable.
<<Mmm, differing opinions/degrees of "somewhat" I suppose...I would class this fish as "somewhat difficult".  Not impossible to keep...and a better choice than some other Anthiinae that come to mind (Pseudanthias tuka, Pseudanthias evansi)...but definitely not my first pick for a "semi-novice" with a "new" system>>
However, on this site so many readers wrote to complain that their Anthias wouldn't eat.
<<A common issue, yes>>  
Also, it was mentioned numerous times that these are very social fish and shouldn't be kept as singular specimens.
<<Mmm, with caveats...beginning with the size of the system>>
One letter even mentions that he didn't want to take these fish as the prize he'd won because they are notoriously difficult to keep!
<<Sounds like maybe your research wasn't finished before you purchased this fish?>>
I am by far not an expert in this hobby o' mine,
<<Neither am I...>>
but here's what's going on:  8 gallon water changes are performed weekly by my hubby.
<<Lucky you <grin> >>
We have a ten gallon sump with a (I think) magma filter that runs carbon,
<<Magnum?>>
a Berlin skimmer that is by popular consensus archaic and near useless,
<<Better than some, worse than others...a much better performing AquaC (Remora/Urchin) can be purchased for about the same money>>
and I'm working on finishing up an over-hanging refugium that will house the usual fuge stuff - macro algae, live sand, bits of live rock and hopefully lots of good bacteria and 'pods.
<<Wish you had done this "before" acquiring the Anthias>>
Temp is steady at 76, and SG is right on target.
<<What is "target?"  NSW levels of 1.025/1.026 I hope>>
We did have a brown algae issue for about a week, but my cleaner crew seems to have taken care of most of it.
<<Likely the natural algal succession of a new system>>
Thank you so much and sorry if I rambled on,
Jennifer
<<No worries Jennifer.  Do try my suggestions for getting the squareback to eat, but if it doesn't take food soon you may want to consider returning the fish to the store.  Good luck, EricR>>

Anthias Pair In 70 Gallon Tank? - 02/12/06
Hello,
<<Howdy>>
Is it possible to keep a pair of Anthias (of a smaller type) in a 70g reef cube or would the male pester the female too much?
Thanks,
Ben
<<Is possible...Bartlett's Anthias (Pseudanthias bartlettorum) would be a good specie to try this with.  Regards, EricR>>

Anthias Question  11/30/05
Hello WWM Crew, 
<Frank>
First I'd like to let you know how invaluable your website has been to me in starting my new hobby. 
<Thank you>
I have set up a 55 gal. tank which currently has 1 Blue Hippo Tang, 1 Eel Goby and 2 Yellow-tailed Damsels (relatively non-aggressive as long as you don't go near "their" cave) along with 40lbs of LR and a cleaning crew (snails, hermits, peppermint shrimp and a cleaner shrimp) and I was interested in adding 2 or 3 Lyretail Anthias. Would this be too much of a bioload for my tank to handle? 
<Frank, hippos can attain a length of up to one foot in properly sized aquariums. Your tank will eventually be too small to add any more fish unless you plan on a larger tank in the future. Anthias really do best with one male and several females. A 125 gallon tank is minimum in my opinion. They are not easy fish to keep as most are rated moderate to difficult. Do research the Anthias if you are considering these in the future. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anthiina.htm.  James (Salty Dog)>
Thanks in advance, Frank 
<You're welcome>

Overstocked or Over-rocked?  It's all About the "O"!  11/12/2005
Hello,
I've got a 40 gallon breeder tank and am currently curing 40 pounds of live rock in it. Once I cure it I'll put the rock I have from my 12 gallon aquarium that has gotten sort of overstocked.
<... even less room after adding all this rock...>
The aquarium has a carbon filter and protein skimmer. Anyhow, would you advise putting a male-female pair of Anthias, or a male and two females of possibly Lyretail Anthias, Bimaculatus Anthias, or Resplendent Anthias. They would be sharing the space with a ocellaris clownfish, blue tang, green mandarin, a pair of banded coral shrimp, and two peppermint shrimp.
Brian
<Mmm, nope... not enough room for "any of the above".... If you didn't have any fish here, you might fit a Fathead Anthias in... Bob Fenner> 

Pseudanthias squamipinnis  11/9/05
Hi Bob,
<McBirneys>
I have been very careful with every item I have put in my tank. I need your opinion on your "favorite" Anthias, per information I was reading. I have a 150 gallon, and from what I was reading on your "animal library" web page under Anthias, you mentioned 1 male to 4 or 5 females.
<For this, many other species of the subfamily, yes>
I then read on wet web that only one per tank, a lot of females (how many would that be?) or just a few in a big system.
<Yes to these inputs as well... as many females as you have space for are allowable... one per fifteen gallons or so...>
I have a reef/fish system and I did read they are very aggressive. 
<Mmm, I would say not very aggressive... compared to some abstract scale for marine reef fishes>
Would my Nassarius snails, cleaner shrimp, and peppermint shrimp be in jeopardy?
<Doubtful the Anthiines will fool with any of these>
Would I not suggest this to people who have reefs? 
<Au contraire! A great fish for color, behavior, compatibility... in many large such settings>
I work at a store in Las Vegas, and we try to not carry fish that would not work well in captivity.
<Good>
I have ordered some of these due to their hardiness, and I want to advise our customers as to the number in their
tanks.
<Mmm, you've covered it here pretty much... One definite male per... unless the system is several hundred gallons... as many females as they'd like up to a limit per gallonage...>
Obviously a small tank would house only one female. For myself, would 2 or 3 females in a 150 be okay.....(remember I have shrimp).
<Yes>
Thanks and take care. Carrie :)
<Thank you Carrie. Bob Fenner> 

Compatibility: Anthias, Tangs, etc. 8/9/05
Hey Crew! :-)
<Jenn>
I had a couple of questions on compatibility.  First off, my tank will be
225-gallons with a large sump and a "sensible" amount of live rock.  Not
into the "rock wall" thing some aquarists have going, I like more of a
loosely packed "tunnel-ly cave" idea.
<Okay>
First questions relate to Anthias.  I'd like to have several in my tank as a
focal point.  Rather than one individual of many types of fishes, I'd like
to play around with a few species, and keep them in pairs or schools.  For
Anthias, I was wondering what a comfortable number would be for a school,
considering the space?  
<Depending on the species... a trio to a dozen or more>
Other fishes would be gobies, tangs, a pair of
clowns, and perhaps some Genicanthus sp. angels.  Also, WILL the Anthias
school in the aquarium??  
<Most species, yes... some are not schoolers>
Lastly (relating to Anthias) in a tank this size
would two species co-habitate as they do on the reef?
<Could>
If so, then which two
species might I have the best luck with?
<Many choices... best to use WWM, fishbase.org and pick out two that you can get, that are found in the same geographic area, habitat...>
If not, then how many MALES of one
species are likely to establish themselves in a tank this size without
encroaching on one another's' territory?
<One of each species>
Okay second batch relates to tangs.  I know the general consensus is one
tang per species per tank.  But lately I've happened across several tanks
with 2 or more Acanthurus tangs in them, not to mention other species of
tangs... and I've seen SEVERAL tanks with two to three Zebrasoma sp.  Now,
aside from the fact that this is impossible (hehe) how is it best/safely accomplished?
<Adding all at once, when small, and/or adding new ones that are much smaller...>
I'm thinking an achilles and a powder blue...
<Not easily kept...>
But if I can't be satisfied they'll live long, happy lives, then I'll opt for a regal
instead of the powder blue and go that route.  So this is more of an
exploratory question, as I'm wondering how so many other people do it successfully. :-)
Thanks!
Jenn
<Is done... often... with space, hiding places... enough food. Bob Fenner>

Squarespot Anthias stocking
Good morning Crew!
<Barbara>
I recently got a free 75g...haven't set it up yet but I wanted to run a few questions by the experts before I buy anything. I really like the Squarespot Anthias, I would like to have a male in this tank. My plan is to use some of the LR from my 55g reef tank to start the cycle, add 6 to 8 saltwater acclimated mollies to the tank to keep it going (and also I thought they might provide a food source with their offspring). I will then add 4 to 6 peppermint shrimp for the same reason. I am also going to have some macros in the tank. I'm also going to wait until the tank has matured (3 months or so) before I add the Squarespot. Sound good so far?
<Yes>
Eventually I would like to add as tankmates, a long nosed butterfly and a dwarf fuzzy lion (after the Anthias is bigger). I would appreciate any thoughts or ideas you might have about this arrangement.
Thanks!
Barb
<These should all go... I would try a small male Squarespot... added a few weeks after placing maybe two small females here... Much more interesting... Bob Fenner>

How Many are Too Many...Part 2 (4/30/05)
Hi again, 
<Hi. Steve Allen back with you.>
Would you recommend any other smaller Anthias that are easier to care for? There should be a lot more room in the tank soon anyway, because I am expecting the parrotfish to die, as it refuses to eat. 
<I would not give up on it too easily. Be sure to try a variety of different foods. Perhaps you can find another aquarist or a fish store that can give it a try.> 
Anyway, so what other Anthias would you recommend for this tank once the parrotfish is gone, that are easier to care for than squarebacks? 
<I would suggest that you check out the information about Anthias on WWM and in the book "Marine Fishes" by Scott W. Michael. No Anthias is easy. They like room to swim and need to be fed several times per day. The best way to accomplish that is with an upstream refugium (search WWM) supplying a flow of microcrustaceans into the tank.> 
Thanks for your help,
Joe Marano 
<I hope it helps. Do the research and you ought to be able to find what you need.>

Stocking and Sexing Bicolor Fancy Bass
Anthony,
I keep reading that Anthias should be stocked 1 male with the remaining being female. How do you tell a male and female Bicolor? I know that the male is larger in size but other then that, I can't find any color differences that other members of the species show.
<Mmm, females are quite similar... a distinctive difference is their dorsal fin structure and coloration. In females the third ray is extended, the second and third in the males which are bright yellow at their ends... And it would be better to have more than one female with your male... in a quite large (at least one hundred gallon) system. Bob Fenner, who encourages you to read about Pseudanthias bicolor on fishbase.org, where you can click on the image, see other images, scan Googles crawl of Net images.>
Thanks,
Mark Johnson

Square Anthias
I don't have many fish in my reef. Considering putting in a male square Anthias, and a few females. I know they can be solitary, and if multiple ones are placed, should be placed at the same time and one male with multiple females. The tank is quite large and peaceful (360g) so space shouldn't be too much of an issue. Is this species ok with one pink male, and 3 or 4 females ? Or should it just be one male, one female ? Thanks
Jim
<A great fish for the right setting. The cover of the hobby mag. FAMA has a nice male shot I took in Australia a few months back for their August issue. I would definitely go with a group of females in this size system... much more "natural"... and will afford you and your livestock many more interesting possibilities for such behavior. Bob Fenner>

Re: Square Anthias
Bob, thanks for the response. Just got 6 females and a male Anthias. One of the females is 'orange', while the rest are yellow. The male is obviously pink squared. 
<An intermediary... "next" male in line...>
Anyhow, that orange one has a real faint square showing. I imagine it is perhaps about to turn, or has just turned male ???? 
<Mmm, yes... sort of... subdominant>
Will the presence of the male cause it to just stay as a female or has it already turned and they'll eventually be doomed together ???
<In your size system, likely stay a "non-functioning", not total male>
Other than that, they are in excellent shape and have already started eating on the Mysis. They are in quarantine for a few weeks until I put them in the main tank.
As a side question, are male Anthias, one to a tank for same species or across the entire genus. In other words, can a pair of ventralis Anthias peacefully co-exist in a large tank ? Thanks
Jim
<Many males, harems of all species can coexist in large enough systems. Bob Fenner>

- Anthias Selection -
<Greetings, JasonC here...>
Hello guys, I saw a Ventralis Anthias in my LFS and was really impressed. <They are pretty.> I occasionally hear of people putting a single one of these into a smaller system (30-40 gallons, fish only). <You hear about it, but do you hear about their long term viability? I don't.> Other times I read about putting this type of fish in a larger system only. <That is my recommendation.> Is the larger size necessary only when keeping multiple Anthias? <No, it's important to the issue of water quality and physical space.> Can a single be kept in a healthy, yet smaller environment? <Not of this species, and really even the more hardy variety do better with larger tanks, the super large tanks [200g plus] are necessary for groups/harems.> Thanks for the tips.
<Cheers, J -- >

Pseudanthias evansi 9/28/04
HI all- Just was wondering if you knew of anyone keeping Pseudanthias evansi successfully?  I have experience with several species (Pseudanthias bimaculatus, bicolor, bartlettorum, cooperi, and the fasciatus shown on your website) and was wanting to try this one. <If you have been successful with other Anthiines, you may be better equipped than the average hobbyist to maintain P. evansii.  Do keep in mind that there are many factors that make these fish difficult.  They often suffer from deep water collection, poor handling and shipping stress. They often won't feed around aggressive tankmates.  Extended quarantine in suitable quarters is advised both to ensure freedom from disease as well as to give them time to associate the keeper with feeding.  Multiple feedings per day are recommended (often required), and sometimes all non-living foods are refused.  This is a tricky one for most of us with real jobs!>
When I have seen them in stores I have never seen one actually eat, but they were usually singles or pairs.  What do you think?  Doomed?  Thanks, John Boe <Refusal to eat is generally a good sign to avoid purchasing any fish.  However, if you plan on making a dedicated, conscientious attempt at keeping this fish I would not let this alone preclude your purchase.  Lack of cover and excess of activity in the retail environment may have a lot to do with refusal of these fish to feed.  Providing live foods in a quarantine environment with minimal traffic, subdued light and plenty of cover may get them feeding.  Contrary to popular belief, attempting to maintain shoals of Anthias is folly.  Constant bickering usually ends with one surviving male and sometimes a female.  I would not suggest attempting more than a pair.  These fish are most certainly doomed in all but the most skilled, conscientious hands.  Buying such fish always begs the ethical question of saving these individuals vs. encouraging more collection of a difficult species.  Consider this dilemma and your skills carefully and perhaps politely expouse the benefits of supplying customers with hardier choices to your LFS.  Lastly, do look for the recent print article by Scott Michael on his top ten choices for Anthias in captivity (Aquarium Fish Magazine I think). Scott's advice is top notch.  Best Regards.  Adam>

Randall's Anthias 9/17/04
I'm looking for info about the temperament and heartiness of
specifically the Randall's Anthias.  I can't seem to find any
hobbyists who have kept them.  Are they pretty new?  
<not at all... but you have not found much info because they are a simply dismal species to attempt to keep in captivity. Most conscientious aquarists will leave these species in the ocean. They are very delicate, most always require live foods (gut loaded prey is a must here)... they need dim tanks and very passive tankmates. One male can be kept with several females in large aquaria (200 gall-ish)>
I've gotten as much info as I can about Anthias in general, but I know they can vary from type to type.  I won a complete setup at a raffle and five were included.  
<wow... how very irresponsible of the donor to show and offer these fishes as an impulse/prize animal. Simply irresponsible - this is a very delicate species for expert care only in mature tanks>
One unfortunately didn't make it, but the others are doing
well.  
<they may hang in for some weeks or even months. It is very unlikely they will survive to even see one year in captivity. Mark my words, my friend. You might save them if you make this a species tank and focus as per above needs/instructions>
I'm trying to decide if the four will be ok or if I should get
another three females (hopefully from the same batch) as soon as
possible.  They will be in a 120 with 100g sump with few tankmates.
(probably a CBB and a pair of O clowns)
<please do not import/buy any more of these fishes my dear... not until you have demonstrated an ability to keep the current ones (healthy over 6 months). Best of luck, Anthony>  

Look before you leap/purchase
I RECENTLY PURCHASE A SQUARE BOX ANTHIAS AGAINST MY BETTER JUDGMENT. <Then why did you buy "him"? I take it this is a/the more colorful gender member> I HAVE HEARD THESE FISH ARE DIFFICULT TO KEEP. <Historically, yes> I HAVE HIM IN A 75 GAL REEF 
WITH ONLY TWO OTHER TANK MATES A SCOPAS TANG AND A CORAL BEAUTY. COULD YOU 
GIVE ME SOME ADVICE SO THAT I MAY HAVE SOME SUCCESS KEEPING THIS FISH ALIVE? 
DO THEY REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL CARE? WILL ONE BE ENOUGH ?
>>
<Better kept with a couple of females (yellow)... once trained on meaty food items (they're zooplanktivores in the wild>, in a peaceful arrangement (they should be the dominant species), in a large (at least a hundred gallons), with lots of water movement, good filtration, this species can live a good long while... Most die because of one of the above missing elements.
Bob Fenner>

Anthias, Mandarins.
<Kim, Lorenzo Gonzalez here, holding down the fort for Bob while he's underwater in Asia for a couple weeks.>
I just purchased an Anthias, though I thought it was a purple queen I am
beginning to think it's not! He is most definitely no purple for one thing, but a brilliant orange. And there was nothing shy about him at all. I must say this fish was an impulse buy, my husband took me to the store to get my little Singapore angel and he picked this Anthias out as well. 
<Glad to hear you feel guilty about the 'impulse buy'... :-) >
I was not interested in Anthias in anyway...and from reading your information I am reminded why. Though this fish was a little more then most of my other tank inhabitants, he seems to be the nicest one in there! I worried about him the first night, noting that he had ick on his pectorals and that his color was poor, but the next morning at feeding time....well you would never have known he was the same fish (by the way I really don't know if it's a he or a she but I named it Felix so it's a he) 
<If she's not a he, she probably will be eventually, without a bigger 'he' around to keep her a she... Anthias are like that.>
His color was bright a fiery, his attitude about the food I put in there (plain old brine shrimp) was exuberant! In fact he eats better then the pair of lemon damsels that I have in there. my tank
is a 60 gal with about 50 -60 lb of live rock and 40 lb of sand.) He seems to have taken the tank over and has even put the little six-line wrasse in it's place, it kept pouncing on my scooter blenny. The most amazing thing is his curiosity, it overwhelms even the wrasse. He wants to see everything!!! Last night I was mopping the floor this was only his second night with us) and he followed me around the tank as if trying to figure out what the heck I was doing. It was really quite cute. And everybody else in the tank comes out now, I've seen more of my lemon damsels and my wrasse in the last two days then I have in the last four months.
<The 'dither-fish' effect, in reverse! (Usually a bunch of small, 'stupid' fish are used to get a bigger, shy one to come around)>
But the true reason I wrote was that I needed some more info on this fish or just Anthias in general, since I'm not really sure what he is. 
<Go to www.FishBase.org and type in 'Anthias' in the common name search, to figure out which sort you have. Then read Bob's articles, and/or Conscientious Marine Aquarist.>
I usually research my fish to death, just ask the guy at the pet store, I think I drive him mad with all my questions. I have to write them down I have so many. 
<That's sure a good practice, sure is. >
It took me almost 2 years of reading and research before I even set up my tank. But I wanted my husband to enjoy this thing too, so I thought I'll get this and see what happens....well now he's my favorite fish, and I want to keep him happy and healthy, and alive.
<Glad to hear you're both enjoying it so!>
Another thing I had to ask about was the dismal report on the dragonets, the whole reason for starting my tank was to in the end purchase on of these magnificent animal...but not to have it die. Has there been any good news on these fish? Is there anything extra I need to do? 
<Yes. And I hate to say this: You'll need to get rid of the little wrasse, and the 'scooter blenny' (if it's the 'scooter' of the same family as the dragonet you so desire), before you purchase your Mandarin. The 60 gallon isn't big enough to produce food for all these direct competitors, even with the mountain of live rock you're piling up. You should wait until the tank is a year established, as well.>
I plan on having well over 100 lbs of rock before I even think of getting one (Though resisting has been VERY hard) I would really appreciate anything you could give me as far as information.
<You've got a great attitude, and a responsible approach to all this: very nice to see that. A crop of feather, bubble, cup (harder to keep) or common 'strap' Caulerpa will help provide a breeding ground for the tiny creatures your future mandarin will need to eat. Quite good for the general water quality as well.>
Just as a side note: My tank is a 60 gal 6 mo old. It has a emperor 400 And power heads at each end I will be getting a skimmer soon) There are 2 lemon damsels, a scooter blenny, a six-line wrasse, a Singapore angle, as well as a cleaning crew of sundry crabs and snails, and soon some shrimp.
<Sounds just like one of the tanks we have in the living room, even the Emperor 400, which we had leftover from our freshwater days. The only thing we have on there that you don't is a skimmer. Get one. I would highly recommend a Remora from AquaC. (www.proteinskimmer.com). Compact enough to hang between the wall and the tank, and very effective and safe. (no overflow) You won't believe what the skimmer will pull out of your water...
Best regards, Lorenzo >

Dispar Anthias
Dear Bob,
In looking at the last fish to add to our peaceful 140 gal. community (yellow tang, flame angel, sleeper goby, neon gobies, convicts, green Chromis, royal Gramma, cleaner shrimp, soft corals, and SPS corals; I have seen the beautiful "Dispar Anthias" from Hawai'i for sale at a fine retailer.
<A good choice in a small school... received "fresh", in good shape... and feeding>
They are about 2 to 2 1/2 inches, orange-pink and look a bit like a small grouper.
<Which they are! The subfamily Anthiinae is a part of the Basses, Groupers family Serranidae>
Can't find much on this species in books I have or searching WWM.
<Mmm, here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anthiina.htm>
Would you recommend it? How large will they become?
<Worth trying, about three inches>
As always, your advice is my direction. The fish I've lost was a cleaner wrasse bought on impulse without reference to TCMA or WWM where there was clear warning.
Howard
<You are aware, learning... and caring. All positive traits. Bob Fenner>

Anthias
Dear Bob,
Thanks for the information. I must have misspelled "Anthias" 
<Ahh!>
on my search. WWM data and pictures are superb!
<Much more to come... soon, the capacity to make, show better, much larger scans... stay tuned>
I gather that I should either choose a single specimen or stock 3 or more of these beauties. Perhaps I should watt to find a species other than "Dispar" species.
<Perhaps... most Anthiines better in odd numbered groupings... not singles. Bob Fenner>
Thanks again.
Howard

Anthias Fun
Hello WWM crew,
I need somebody to talk me off a ledge here. For two weeks I've been holding a 3.5" Lyretail Anthias at my LFS.
<One week too long for my tastes. I would prefer to watch it and see if it was going to die from shipping stress. But once it was in the clear, I would much rather QT at home where I could feed it three times per day. Very few LFS have the time or inclination to do that.>
It has been in good shape for the entire time that they have had it - no disease, a little shy, but still well aware of its surroundings. Its belly is slightly pinched, but it chases after food very aggressively. I've had it fed a couple times while I watched, and I suspect that it is recovering from a fast due to shipping stress.
<Or just not getting fed at all.>
My best guess is that it was formerly a super male and has now regressed to subordinate male coloration...it still has just a little bit of the super male appearance left, which I anticipate will fade.
Now, I know well and good how fragile Anthias are, and I've read the pertinent info on WWM as well as Scott Michael's articles, chat transcripts, and books relating to them. Still, this appears to be an
unusually healthy specimen. Do you see any compelling reason so far to avoid it?
<Depends mostly on your tank and your husbandry. If you have read Scott Michael's works, you have a fair understanding of what will be required of you and your system. You will be the best judge if you can measure up.>
The complicating issue at hand is that I have an out-of-town move coming up in 2 weeks that will necessitate about 6-8 hours of time in the bag between tanks.
<You had my vote until here.>
The Anthias will be going into a 75 gallon, Berlin-style tank hooked up to a 30 gallon sump/refugium. In the meantime, it will need to go into a 30 gallon standalone tank with a juvenile tomato clown, a 6-line wrasse, and a chalk bass. In your opinion, is this do-able?
<Definitely not the best situation.>
One last question...Michael's philosophy on the hardier Anthias species seems to be that, if you can't house a full harem, you're better off keeping a solitary specimen rather than a small group. Do you agree?
<Yes>
Thanks for all your input...you guys run a great operation! Jason
PS - Picked up Anthony's book...great read, and very helpful. Any word on when Bob's next book will (finally) be released?
<We (Bob, Anthony, and I) will all be getting together over the next two weekends to discuss upcoming works. We will keep you all posted. -Steven Pro>

Anthias
Dear Jason and Anthony,
<<JasonC this time... greets,>>
For quite some time I had a pair of Pseudanthias evansi. Beautiful fish, they swam together. Unfortunately, I left a small opening in the aquarium lid and lost one, jumped out and perished (inexcusable carelessness). <<Bummer, do excuse yourself though at some point, this does happen to all of us at some point or another - I lost a harlequin tusk this way. If we don't make mistakes like this, how do we learn?>><Second, other hand... RMF> The other is doing fine. <<Ahh good.>> I would like to replace his buddy. Can I add another of this evansi species safely? <<Oh... good question - think it's a coin toss honestly. Often once territories are established, it can be hard to introduce new, same species fish... I think I would try.>> Other Pseudanthias species? <<Odds are likely lower for a different species.>>
The balance of my community is peaceful: yellow tang, sleeper goby, green Chromis, convicts, flame angel, cleaner gobies, and purple fire fish. Over 150 gallons. <<Ahh, this is a good size to make the attempt, at least a good amount of room to seek refuge from the potential aggression - which may never happen, mind you.>> Never had a disease process thanks to WWM advice on quarantine and water treatment. <<Ahh good, keep it up.>>
Howard
<<Cheers, J -- >>

Question: I have a mature 75 gal tank with both soft corals and fish and have a few misc. questions that the books don't seem to agree or comment on.

1. I would really like to get a cow fish. The big question, will the cow fish eat the corals and the shrimps?
2. I am about to purchase Chevron Tang and would like to know if it safe to add another tang at a later date.
3. I am considering getting a school of Anthias, any recommendations outside of the Dispar?

Bob's Answer: Hey Blithe, you're right, most books are not in agreement... and if you ask me, many are obviously written by folks who have precious little practical or scientific experience... Yep, the Lactoria (cowfish) will gladly munch all crustaceans and some of your corals. Other tangs, even another Ctenochaetus should mix okay with the Chevron. Just make sure they're larger or much smaller. Need to know more about you, your system to make broad generalizations re: the Anthiinae. There is a huge range of survivability in the group (as large as any other fish family), but I don't want to unduly influence browsers to try expensive fancy basses. Take a gander at Scott Michael's new book for some pointers re: these miniature basses.