Anthias... which ones?

[mothra]

I've been doing nothing but building up a big pile of equipment at my house for my new tank, the more I look at it the more bummed out I get that the tank probably won't be set up until winter.... I need to think about something else to keep me motivated, like what fish I'm going to stock it with.

It's a 360g, 7'x3' foot print. My intent is to have a whole bunch of fish, and some soft corals. I really want a harem of anthias, but I'm not sure which species. I was thinking either Bartletts or Dispars. I've heard from more than one person that Bartletts have a tendancy to turn male and eventually pick eachother off. I don't know if the Dispar would make a better choice, or possibly another species. Also not sure how many I should add, maybe 9-13.


When I switch to the new tank I'm going to move my fish over (fingers crossed). So the other fish that will definitely be in the tank are:

- Dwarf Golden Angel
- Watanabei Angels Male & Female
- Rabbitfish (s. virgatus)
- Ruby scale fairy wrasse
- Yellow flanked fairy wrasse


Other fish that I'd like to add:
- Red Sea Sailfin Tang
- Spotted Cheek Tang (a. maculiceps)
- Another female Watanabei (or two)
- Pair of True Perculas
- School of chromis
- School of long spine cardinals
- Probably a few misc gobies and whatnots


...basically a lot of fish. Mainly looking for suggestions on the Anthias, but all comments are welcome.


- Jacob

 

[TheJGMProject]

I hear that the Lyretail (spelling?) Anthias are the easier species to keep. Make sure you get a male and a few females so no fighting happens. That's my 2 cents. I'm sure there are others out there who can give you even further insights.

good luck

 

[Len]

Barletts is an excellent choice. Hardy and beautiful, and perfect for large tanks. FWIW, I LOVE my Bimaculatus harem. They usually run a bit more in price, but worth every penny.

 

[Anonymous]

P. pleurotaenia is an awesome fish.

So you really did get that A. maculiceps aye Jacob? How's it acting? Eating?

 

[Len]

BTW, I've heard the same about Barlett's re: changing sexes. My bimacs haven't changed in a year. The male wouldn't allow it

 

[mothra]

Thanks guys. I just found a large thread on RC regarding the Bartlett's changing sexes, I think everybody who posted had the same thing happen... so I'm staying away from Bartletts. I like the Bimacs too. It'll probably come down to them or Dispars... and what price I can get them for. Carberryi Anthias are kinda cool too... to many choices LOL.

How many do you guys think for a tank this size?


Matt:
I don't have the spot cheek tang yet. All the fish in the 2nd list are fish that I'd like to add. I do know someone who has one though and his is doing great. It's a beautiful fish.

 

[Snowboarda42]

I have a pair of Lyretails, and I love them. The Male is WAY dominant, so the other one won't change sex. Its pretty easy to tell from watching the tank for a few minutes. I would definately look at some at your LFS and make sure one is dominant and the other is submissive, not 50/50.