HELP NEEDED!!! Sunburst Anthias vs. Chalk Bass

[aznt1217]

Hello Everybody,

I just bought a Sunburst Anthias from Aqua Pro Builder yesterday. I only have a Hippo Tang (that I am healing) and a Chalk Basslet in the tank) about 1.2 inches in length.

I acclimated the Sunburst Anthias for 1.5 hours and it handled the acclimation well. PROBLEM is... MY CHALK BASS WENT AFTER IT!!!! The Anthias hid and I can't even find it. I can't catch the Chalk Bass because he's too smart. I finally saw the Anthias today with beat up fins.

What should I do? Should I just leave things alone?

 

[Acro76]

Make sure you have a chalk basslet, and not a tobbaco basslet. The Tobbaco basslet is very aggressive!

Other than that, I'd leave the lights off for 24 to 48 hours to let the sunburst anthias acclimate and recover. They are used to deeper water and shaded lighting and caves.

 

[aznt1217]

it's definitely a chalk basslet. Lights will remain off but sunlight does get in. I tried to catch them again and failed!

 

[2slo4me]

I use to have a set of 3 chalk basslets... as a team they got very aggressive i sold 2 of em to a member here and the one i have left is calm now that hes alone. However he just finsihed beating up on a royal gramma not too long ago... Are the 2 fish similar in size?

 

[morphiii]

Try getting a mirror and put it in front of the tank. The bass will attack itself. After a couple of days, remove the mirror and they should be fine.

 

[aznt1217]

He anthias is about 3/4 the size of "chalkie" but the anthias is much thinner.

The basslet sees reflections via the glass and stopped attacking it self but I'll try it.

I have one of those in tank breeder nets. I want to try to get the basslet or anthias in there.

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Sunburst are very shy little guys.They have a poor track record in aquariums.

 

[2slo4me]

Sunburst are very shy little guys.They have a poor track record in aquariums.

I Agree.. I tryed a few times they are also picky eaters at times... My lyretail anthias has been doing great thou...

 

[LongIslandAndy]

I have had the chalk bass and they weren't very aggressive. I do think that the sunburst anthias is a very shy fish that is easily intimidated. IMO the only shot the anthias would have is if you could get him out of tank. Can you put him or the basslet in the sump.

 

[aznt1217]

I can't even put this fish in my reef my pink anthias would have a field day on him.

I am going to try to get him out when I get home tonight. Maybe net him when the chalk basslet chases him. I'll probably end up returning it to Wingo if it's in good health.

 

[MIKE NY]

I'm the member who bought the two basslets from 2slo4me. They stay together all the time and are like a tagteam. They have grown alot since I got them and even breed already. I have an aggressive reef with lots of damsels, a power blue, a big sixline so they fit right in....anyway the sunbursts, as mentioned, are very shy....try re-arranging the rockwork which should break up the territories.....

 

[aznt1217]

Thanks for all the help guys. I tried everything and I think he's dead. Haven't seen a body in 3 days.

 

[basiab]

Well, I have a chalk basslet and he is being chased by a false percula at eating time. He is not aggressive at all and also shares the tank with gobies and a royal gramma.

 

[MIKE NY]

Well, I have a chalk basslet and he is being chased by a false percula at eating time. He is not aggressive at all and also shares the tank with gobies and a royal gramma.

they're peacefull when they are small, but wait till they are striped bass size like mine..they will eat anything they can fit in their mouths...

 

[2slo4me]

wow mike he got big in no time...

 

[aznt1217]

..... Okay now looking at it more closely. I definitely DO NOT have a STRIPED BASS. But... how come my Chalk Basslet doesn't look like yours? I'll post a pic when I get home.

 

[aznt1217]

Here is the picture guys. If it's not a chalk basslet... please help ID.

 

[aznt1217]

OMG it's a LANTERN BASS... -_- I am an idiot

 

[MIKE NY]

....they very simular from the same family Serranus and from what I read they should stay smaller, but more aggressive.