Antias or not to Anthias... that is the question

FYRSQL

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I have a 180 setup that has been going good for many years now.

Looking to get a shoal of Anthias... was thinking around 5-7 of them.

Thoughts on how many to get? What type(s)? Is it ok to mix different types?
 

eatbreakfast

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It is possible to mix species, but they need to be of similar temperaments.

I recommend dispar or randalls anthias. They are an easier type of anthias, peaceful, and fairly hardy.
 
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FYRSQL

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What about Bartlett's? I've always thought they're nice looking. Also, how many?
 

eatbreakfast

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Bartletts are hardy, but can be a bit aggressive within the hierarchy.

I'd recommend 6 or more.
 

eatbreakfast

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Larger numbers diffuse aggression better.

Lyretails and bartletts are similar in care and temperament.
 

griff500

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Bartlett's are aggressive in my experience and the shoal gradually diminishes. I have 7 Scribbled Anthias - extremely low aggression and very attractive in my opinion. Very happy with them.
 

Maritimer

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For what it's worth, I have a trio of Bartlett's (I love their look too . . . ).

One is dominant, and patrols the entire tank.

One is subordinate to him (and a much brighter color!), and spends most of its time over on the left side, but sometimes comes out with confidence.

The third spent the first three weeks in the tank tucked behind the HOB overflow, and has just recently begun to hide among the rubble and rock at the bottom right side.

All were in pretty good health coming out of QT, but the shy one has declined. I don't see a lot of attacking from the dominant, but a simple visit can bring enough fear in the submissive that she gets little to eat, in spite of multiple daily feedings - some of them targeted to the fish on the right side. More Bartlett's (another 3-5, I should think) would undoubtedly ease the burden the right-side submissive fish feels at the bottom of the hierarchy. I do sometimes see the other two together, but I'd be hard-pressed to call it anything like schooling.

~Bruce
 
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FYRSQL

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Hmm... so the numbers seem to be 6+. Any benefit to odd vs even with these?
 

ca1ore

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Bimacs are a good, if slightly more expensive, option as well - and happen to be my personal favorite of the keepable pseudoanthias. I got 5 females about three years ago. Two turned males, but I still have all five. Males have dulled a bit, but still good looking fish.
 

ChiCity

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If you can wait until they become available, 4 or 5 ventralis Anthias would be gorgeous!

Truly one of the more stunning fish in the hobby
 

eatbreakfast

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If you can wait until they become available, 4 or 5 ventralis Anthias would be gorgeous!

Truly one of the more stunning fish in the hobby
They are also a more expensive species, and can be challenging.
 

Brad Syphus

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I have had many different species of anthias over the years. Love all of them, but if you want different types then go with the smaller ones first as they are the shy ones.
Bartletts can be very territorial and don't like you adding new types after they are established. Right now I have a trio of Bimacs and just love the color. Here are a few pics of ones I have owned and then the Bimacs I have now.
052.jpg

044copy.jpg

026-4.jpg

059copy.jpg

042.jpg

028-1.jpg
 

Brad Syphus

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003-4.jpg

026copy-1.jpg

064copy.jpg

032-3.jpg

I decided after my tank cracked and I lost all of these beautiful anthias, I would go in a different direction this go around. But once I spotted this beautiful trio of Bimacs, I had to have them in my tank.
_MG_3213.jpg

_MG_4019%20copy.jpg
 

davocean

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I've always started off w/ lyretails, at least 4 or preferably more to spread the males badgering among his harem.
They are also good starters IMO as they eat pretty easy, and usually bring the shy anthia out in doing so if you add other types of anthia later.
Bartletts, most of the time they will peck each other off till there is only one or two, so I guess as to the odd or even comment, guess I'll have to say even, 2, other than that I have never seen any truth to the odd or even theories regardless of what fish we are talking about.
 

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