Anthias in a 45

[Swimzebras]

Could I keep a trio of Bartlett anthias in my 45 gallon reef tank? They only get to be 3.5 inches so it seems like it should work. Thanks in advance!

 

[Innovator]

Not knowing what else you have, you could do a harem of 1 male per 3 females.

 

[Swimzebras]

I have a very unagressive pair of clownfish and a yellow coris wrasse

 

[Innovator]

Should be fine.

 

[carey]

I had an anthias, but I wouldnt recommend 3 in a 45g. They like to be in groups but it's usually recommended to have a 125g for more than 1.

This site actually says a 70g tank for one but it has all the other information you'll need on them.

Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Bartlett's Anthias

 

[Swimzebras]

Awesome! Do I need three females in the harem or would 2 and one male be ok?

 

[Swimzebras]

And Carey I know it says that but it just doesn't make sense to me, 70 gallons for a 3.5 inch fish? Idk it doesnt seem right

 

[hackteck]

i like you guys use of the word harem lol

 

[Swimzebras]

Am I using it wrong?

 

[carey]

When I was shopping for my anthias I had the same questions. I think they are being a bit over conservative myself, but I still think 3 of them plus what you got might be too many. You wouldnt be able to add anything else for sure and anthias arent the easiest fish to keep. I lost my squareback, he apparently just stopped eating. They arent real big on prepared foods....

 

[Swimzebras]

Oh, it's just that they are so pretty, and don't squarebacks get big? I also though Bartletts were one of the easiest.

 

[carey]

Bartletts and lyretails I believe are the easiest. My squareback was about 4 inches when I had him. I also planned on a harem for my 125g but I think that would be too much even for my big tank.

Just giving my opinion.

I'd hate for anything bad to happen, so I'm always a bit conservative as well.

 

[Swimzebras]

I guess so, I just want a school of active fish and I don't really like chromis

 

[Innovator]

Bartlette's anthias don't take up alot of real estate so you wouldn't be anywhere near overstocked. If you only got 3 then get small females, but I think they'd have more security with a harem of at least 4 (you could get all small fems and 1 will eventually turn male).

 

[hackteck]

Am I using it wrong?

lol no i just like the word harem

 

[Swimzebras]

Yea, I suppose it is a cool word.... Te he.....harem

 

[Swimzebras]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Gregcoyote]

I have a purple anthias that is not eating anything. Have tried almost everything, but he won't eat. Any ideas? All other fish are fat and happy.

 

[Innovator]

I've yet to see a fish that doesn't accept live adult brine shrimp (they can be enriched using phytoplankton), which would be a good way to get them interested in eating.