Anthias pairing question

JTrigger · 12/12/2010, 01:14 AM

Just doing research before potentially investing in anthias. Convinced I'll likely end up purchasing 2-3 lyretails or Bartlett's for my 90gal, but was noticing in Scott Michael's Reef Fishes - Volume 1 it states 1 male lyretail with 8 females in a 180+ gal. So, is it a worse idea to place in 1 male with 1-2 females if only getting three? Just curious as I presumed 1 male was to be paired with a larger number of females for better results, and say 1 male/1 female was more risky... so would it be better to just buy 3 females and expect 1 to morph ultimately?

In Michael's Reef Aquarium Fishes it states that the following are the most suitable for home aquariums:

Bartlett's
Red Cheek
Redbelted/Redgirdled/Tri-Color
Lyretail

Are the Tri-Color or Red Cheek more rare as everyone mentions the other two pretty often so I was just wondering...

SDguy · 12/12/2010, 10:16 AM

For your size tank, a trio of either lyretails or bartletts would be great. Buying three small females is the easiest way to go, as the most dominant one will turn male. If you do buy a male, make sure the other two are definite females (no dorsal spikes in lyretails, and solid yellow foreheads on the bartletts.

IME, tricolors are too big/aggressive. I have no experinece with redcheeks, but I hear they are a lot like lyretails. I don't often see them, especially not females, as some consider them drab.

JTrigger · 12/12/2010, 11:02 AM

I appreciate the input! How are your anthias doing? I've read many threads of yours...

12/12/2010, 01:14 AM	#1
JTrigger Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 383	Anthias pairing question Just doing research before potentially investing in anthias. Convinced I'll likely end up purchasing 2-3 lyretails or Bartlett's for my 90gal, but was noticing in Scott Michael's Reef Fishes - Volume 1 it states 1 male lyretail with 8 females in a 180+ gal. So, is it a worse idea to place in 1 male with 1-2 females if only getting three? Just curious as I presumed 1 male was to be paired with a larger number of females for better results, and say 1 male/1 female was more risky... so would it be better to just buy 3 females and expect 1 to morph ultimately? In Michael's Reef Aquarium Fishes it states that the following are the most suitable for home aquariums: Bartlett's Red Cheek Redbelted/Redgirdled/Tri-Color Lyretail Are the Tri-Color or Red Cheek more rare as everyone mentions the other two pretty often so I was just wondering...

12/12/2010, 10:16 AM	#2
SDguy Fish heads unite! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 23,384	For your size tank, a trio of either lyretails or bartletts would be great. Buying three small females is the easiest way to go, as the most dominant one will turn male. If you do buy a male, make sure the other two are definite females (no dorsal spikes in lyretails, and solid yellow foreheads on the bartletts. IME, tricolors are too big/aggressive. I have no experinece with redcheeks, but I hear they are a lot like lyretails. I don't often see them, especially not females, as some consider them drab. __________________ Peter SDMAS member Marine tanks since 1989. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 240g butterfly and angel FOWLR. 15g QT.

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12/12/2010, 11:02 AM	#3
JTrigger Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 383	I appreciate the input! How are your anthias doing? I've read many threads of yours...