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

[Kmsutows]

From experience lyretails are very Hardy and had them eating everything even pellets no problem. I would just suggest getting a group of all females and let one become male. For some reason males die off. That was my experience and I've heard that many times

 

[MattL22]

I have 3 bi Mac / scribbled 7 lytail. 1 evansi and 1 Bartlett

Always try and add a group together to spread aggression
Except with the anthais like blotchy and fat head that like to hide in rock work

In my experience the Bartlett are really aggressive I've tried to add 3 sm bartletts 2 times have 1 beautiful male to show for the 6 I tried

 

[FYRSQL]

Wow. Great feedback. Still totally unsure what I'm going to do. So many options!

 

[FYRSQL]

Looking at 3 Lyretail, 3 Bartlett and 3 Ignitus I think. Thoughts?

 

[Kmsutows]

I can't speak for the other species but sadly you'll likely be left with one lyretail.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Looking at 3 Lyretail, 3 Bartlett and 3 Ignitus I think. Thoughts?

Lyretails and bartletts mix well, but the ignittus may get picked on with those guys.

 

[FYRSQL]

I can't speak for the other species but sadly you'll likely be left with one lyretail.

Why is that? The others are to aggressive for the Lyretail?

 

[eatbreakfast]

Why is that? The others are to aggressive for the Lyretail?

Lyretails and Bartletts are feistier species and set up a hierarchy. Having larger numbers, frequent feedings, and high flow help diffuse aggression.

 

[Kmsutows]

What he said

 

[FYRSQL]

Lyretails and Bartletts are feistier species and set up a hierarchy. Having larger numbers, frequent feedings, and high flow help diffuse aggression.

By larger numbers do they all have to be same species? Or if I have 9 Antias... that will help diffuse aggression regardless of species.

 

[eatbreakfast]

By larger numbers do they all have to be same species? Or if I have 9 Antias... that will help diffuse aggression regardless of species.

I would lean more towards 6+ per species or only one specimen per species.

 

[Seanislav]

I have one male Bartlett (last of 5 I got nearly 3 years ago), a trio of Tricolors, and a trio of Square Spot (or Square Box, your choice). All coexist pretty well in a 300 gallon reef. Feedings have never been a problem...but then they have to contend with 5 various tangs, 6 assorted Wrasses, and three angels at feeding time...and hold their own well.