"Blue-Eyed Anthias"

[jewban]

So i bought an anthias from the lfs which i see is closest to the bloue eyed anthias on this site...anyways long story short this fish is sooo scared right now, shoul di have got more than one? in other words is this a schooling fish? or will the fear wear off? thanks for any input in advance.

 

[speg]

A lot of times fish will freak out when first introduced into your tank.. its normal for them to act strange... Running up and down the glass, swimming for a hole when you get close, not eating... etc etc all normal. He 'should' get better with time.
What size is your tank? You can keep one in a smallish tank (55 gal or so) but you wouldnt want any more in that small of a tank. If its a larger tank then you could buy a few and they would do fine.
Post a pic of it

 

[parmoffitt]

I have one Anthias just like yours. It was shy at first but soon became very active and now swims back and forth like he owns the tank. I feel yours will be out and about when he gets used to your tank.

 

[1journeyman]

Anthias are schooling fish. If your tank has room you should add more than one. Never keep a schooling fish solo if it can be avoided. Their sense of security is based on the presence of others of the species.

 

[parmoffitt]

I have a 90 gallon reef. I am going to have to say that I disagree with you. I had another Anthia and it was harrassed by my remaining Anthia until it died. Yes......they school in the wild in wide open spaces but need a very large tank if kept in schools. Some grow to five inches or more. I have had my Anthia for 9 months now with no problems and my particular fish is not shy, is healthy and swims back and forth in front of the tank.
In page 94 in the book called "Marine Fishes". The captive care description states as follows: Keep singly in small to medium size aquariums; will fight with members of it's own species. In the wild...........pairs and trios are usually seen with one larger individual (usually the male). For larger aquariums acquire an obvious pair, or choose individuals that vary in size.
I don't consider my tank large and found the information in this book completely accurate.

 

[speg]

Originally Posted by 1journeyman
Anthias are schooling fish. If your tank has room you should add more than one. Never keep a schooling fish solo if it can be avoided. Their sense of security is based on the presence of others of the species.

There is no down side to keeping a solo anthias