Fathead/Sunburst Anthias

[ellebelle]

In Scott Michael's book, it indicates that this species of Anthias is fine in smaller tanks (30g), but other websites that I've looked at recommend tanks of a much larger size (80g - 110g). All agree that it likes lower light, peaceful communities, and lots of places to hide.

Has anyone here tried to keep this fish? Hwo difficult are they, and if there were only one in a tank, how big do you think it would have to be? Also, other than the light issues, is there any other reason this fish would be rated only for the expert reefkeeper?

 

[SethKim]

Hi Ellebelle,
From My experience, i would rate this fish as 3.5~4 on 1to5 anthias scale, 5 being impossible to keep alive!
Its all about getting them to feed, if you can pick one up that feed vigorously than you have a shot of keeping it long term!

if its not eating @ the store, turn around and look for other anthias! keke

P.S. when they thrive, they are more territorial than other anthias, so bigger tank would help !

sincerely,

 

[scarf_ace1981]

Hi Ellebelle,
From My experience, i would rate this fish as 3.5~4 on 1to5 anthias scale, 5 being impossible to keep alive!
Its all about getting them to feed, if you can pick one up that feed vigorously than you have a shot of keeping it long term!

if its not eating @ the store, turn around and look for other anthias! keke

P.S. when they thrive, they are more territorial than other anthias, so bigger tank would help !

sincerely,

agree 100%

 

[deelucky]

my expierence with a squareback was not good he ate but his belly never filled out.he died in 2 months.i would never deal with these fish again(all anthias).after research i found that they dont live long.there maybe others who has sucess with them.but i didnt

 

[prattreef]

Theyare not easy to keep as indicated above, but a 30g. should be plenty of room. IME, you can trust Scott Michael's reommendations above all others.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

I have gotten them on flake before but never kept one for more than a few months in store at a time. They are actually more closely related to hawks than anthias. The two I had eating flakes were sold to a friend of mine who lost them to a tank wipe due to sick fish introduced from a vendor. They lasted 3 more months with him before the ich got them in the outbreak. They aren't an easy fish but if you are going to get them I would introduce them as one of the first fish to help them get eating before you add the more aggressive fish who may scare them off. Great fish though if you can keep them alive.

 

[DEEPWATER]

I know they are not easy to keep.just remember you have a 90% chance that they wont eat in your tank

I do have 2 of them in my main tank for about 1 1/2 years now ,they are both doing amazing ,eatting anything and everything that gos in the tank .I can only say im lucky with alot of the fish i have

 

[Kedd]

I got lucky at 9 months now, but I will say 1 is all you want if you do buy.
Mine eats flake and anything else I put in, but killed the competition in a day.
Yes I bought two thinking a friend was needed, but I was wrong.

They are not easy.

 

[crox99]

I know they are not easy to keep.just remember you have a 90% chance that they wont eat in your tank

I do have 2 of them in my main tank for about 1 1/2 years now ,they are both doing amazing ,eatting anything and everything that gos in the tank .I can only say im lucky with alot of the fish i have

You also got lucky with your possum wrasse!!:thrash:

 

[prattreef]

Possum wrasses aren't difficult???