Thinking about adding Anthias?

Well I've decided to maybe get another fish and start him in quarantine. I like Anthias and was thinking about adding one, but I really dont know alot about them. Here's what I have:

65 gallon tank (Reef)

2 Percula Clowns
1 One Spot Foxface


Does anyone have any suggestions? Do they have a special diet? Is there certain species I should stay away from? If someone could link any articles about them that would be great. I've learned a TON since I started this hobby, but I'm not very familiar with all the fish species since I've only kept a few basics.

Thanks in advance 3reefers!

 

majority of anthias are deep water fish, thus causes some issues in keeping them. Unfortunately their survival rate varies depending upon how they are caught. Many of them are pinned to prevent the bends, and this can cause a high loss.

With anthias I would place them on hold at the store if at all possible. Make sure they are eating at the store prior to buying them. Anthias require several time a day feeding so you will need to buy an automatic feeder if you are not able to feed 3x day. Of course this can cause water problems with the extra feeding

What type of anthias are you looking at? Queen anthias are easier then say square back or lyrtails.

 

Thanks for the reply. This is exactly the type of information I'm looking for so I can make a decision about adding one. As far as what type, I havent really picked a specific one out. I just generally like the looks of all of them. Are they not commonly kept?

 

they are, but it is listed as an expert only fish. By being expert only fish, it just means that you are able to keep your water levels very stable. They are not the hardiest of fish out there and have a high metabolism rate. Again, more reputable fishieries will bring their deep water fish up slowly and allow them to get acclimated more slowly. However, there are many out there that will just pin their fish (that is the reason so many blue-green chromis die when you add them)

When I purchased my anthias, they were in the store for several weeks before I bought them. I worked there so I was able to make sure that they were eating and doing well before bringing them home

I would recommend buying these guys from Live Aquaria divers den. You will pay more money up front but have a better chance at keeping them. Again, invest in an automatic feeder. Keeping them well fed will help with their survival.

Anthias do best in odd numbers also. Keep one, three or five.

 

do u know anything about huchtii anthias

 

I honestly do not. I looked them up and they look like cool fish. Good price for an anthias IMO! (liveaquaria)

 

I may rule these guys out then. I may go the reef safe wrasse route instead. Thanks for the replies.

 

Wrasses and Anthias are a nice mix...

 

I love both of their body types and colors. Awesome fish. If I could just decide!

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most ( there are some exclusions) anthias are not hard to keep if you are prepared to feed often. if you purchase some i would say order them from liveaquaria, or be sure they are eating when you buy them. i have not heard of many able to get a queen anthias to eat or keep them long term, they are one of the tougher anthias, as is the sunburst.
also i would recommend you get three minimum, they like to be in a group. as envolved said they do well with wrasses. beware both anthias and wrasses are jumpers. anthias not as much so as the wrasse but they do jump. so a screen or lid is recommended