Anthias

[b-ridge]

Is it possible to keep different type anthias together? For example can Randall's be kept with lyretails? Or is it you just can't keep the males together?

 

[Nandez13]

I have a Bartlett anthias and a Lyretail anthias in my 75. The don't bother each other. Every now and again you'll see the bartlett nip at the other if they cross paths but it's not bad

 

[MIKE NY]

depends on the size of your tank...many species can be housed together when juvis, but as they mature their true behavior will show...I ve kept Randall's with Lyretails without any problems, but they would stay close to the rockwork until I took the Lyretails out. My male Lyretail and male Bartlett constantly bickered...Randall's are peacefull and mine tend to shoal with my Dispars and Purple Queens...now that the more aggressive Anthias are removed.

 

[b-ridge]

I have a 240 gallon. My game plan was to get a male lyretails with 2-3 females. A Randall male with 2-3 females and possibly a male squareback anthias with 2-3 females. Hopefully getting them to create there own harem and school together. Trying to bring some color to my tank. I have mostly tangs. It's a reef tank so there is only so many things I can place in it unfortunately. Was looking into the black cap basslet and golden basslet for more color but there hard to find and quite pricey.

 

[MIKE NY]

most if not all Anthias will shoal rather than school...the difference is a schooling fish stay and move all together rather than just stay within eye sight of each other....even in a 240 you may have a problem with a male Lyretail and male squareback...I had squarebacks too and mine would bicker....I try to just keep peaceful Anthias now so that they all stay out. Dispars and Ignitus shoal pretty well and are peaceful. If you just want to add color and movement look into wrasses like flashers and fairys also.

 

[jedimaster1138]

Absolutely.

I have several different species in my 120g and they mostly all get along. Occasionally the males poke at each other, but nothing particularly violent. In a 240g you'll be more than fine.

Add the most docile species first and the more aggressive ones last. I would consider Lyretails more aggressive. Also, it's fun to get all females and let nature decide who is going to be the male and watch the change over yourself.

 

[b-ridge]

Doing a little research I didn't realize squarebacks were so aggressive. But like most fish just protecting there harem