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.