Anthias - your thoughts / opinions ?

[westwind77]

So we were looking at getting Anthias for the tank, but we were curious on your thoughts for a reef tank? Do they get along well, any issues or things I need to worry about? In particular we were look at the:
Lyretail Anthias - Male
But is says monitor with shrimp, do i have to worry about my peppermint or banned coral shrimp?
Thanks!

 

[stanlalee]

yes they get along pretty well with other fish (more important is that it not get picked on when introduced). My male fought my midas blenny from time to time but nothing major. lyretails arent push overs like alot of other anthias. I never had a problem with cleaner shrimp, they even took cleaning and I'm sure a coral banded will be fine. small peppermint shrimp are like large zooplankton to fish, they are usually the first to get ate but I dont think adult size peppermints would be in danger. I've met reluctance getting just one to eat initially as well but in a group or with other fish around them eating they feed in a frenzy. the only real problem with keeping them is the feeding requirements. I fed mine twice a day and they did extremely well with that. I wouldn't bother now because I only feed the fish every other day.

 

[nihoa]

you are feeding your anthias every other day as well as your other fish? ive read everywhere they need to be fed 4 times a day which is the main reason ive not got any.

 

[flower]

I love them, they are so colorful and sweet. They get along with others and among themselves and they stay small, traveling in little groups, one male and three females as a rule. A female will turn into a male if none are present.

 

[stanlalee]

Originally Posted by Nihoa
http:///forum/post/3023088
you are feeding your anthias every other day as well as your other fish? ive read everywhere they need to be fed 4 times a day which is the main reason ive not got any.
I didn't say that
Originally Posted by Stanlalee
http:///forum/post/3023012
I fed mine twice a day and they did extremely well with that. I wouldn't bother now because I only feed the fish every other day.
I dont have anthias now. my current tank is too small and I dont feed enough