Considering switching out chromis for anthias

[Martini5788]

I am considering switching out my 2 green chromis for a few anthias, I like their color more and my chromis really do nothing for me to be honest. I want an easy to keep species though. Not looking to spend a ton of money on a species that is nearly impossible to keep alive. I am aware that they need multiple feedings a day, which is fine but I would prefer to feed no more than 3 times a day. I have looked into
Lyretails and dispar so far, but any first hand experience with any anthias species is greatly appreciated, good bad and any species to avoid. Thanks!

[dymaxiun]

Tagging along here.

Is there specific compatibility concerns you have (or factual) with the two types of fish or do you concerned with the bio-load?

[Martini5788]

No not really. I am really just looking for the easiest species to keep that are interactive and aren't hiders. I have a 69 gallons display. And a soon to be total system volume of approx 110 gallons. I like my chromis, but they just aren't striking like anthias and would really like more pink, orange, yellow fish in the tank. For strictly asthetic reasons

[Martini5788]

All of the fish that are in my are really laid back, with the exception of the starry blenny but he isn't too bad. He just likes to be the center of attention and tell everybody what to do

[ca1ore]

I'd suggest that the larger species like Lyretails, bimacs, bartletts and squares are not workable in a 70 gallon tank. Probably dispar, carberryi or resplendent would be good choices. They will require three feedings per day, but not as picky as evansi, Princess or Tuka.

[Martini5788]

Thanks! Out of the dispar, carberryi and resplendent, which one is the hardiest in your experience? As well as a possible shoaling behavior?

[ca1ore]

Dispar probably.

[Martini5788]

That's what I had read. I also know you are the anthias king, I feel very honored that you responded! That is not meant to be sarcastic at all, I really do mean that. So for my tank you
Would recommend dispar? 3-4?

[ca1ore]

I also know you are the anthias king

Hah, don't know about that. They are my favorite fish, which proabbly just means I've killed more than most. A handful if folks here keep ventralis, which I've never tried, so more deserving of the 'title' :) I usually go for an odd number, with a single male. So, try 3. BTW, Ignitus (which, if memory serves is a regional variant of Dispar) would be as good, maybe better since they stay slightly smaller.

[Martini5788]

Ok I will look into those as well thank you!

[PhaneSoul]

Are anthias in general aggressive? I plan on getting a few when I goto a bigger tank, my favorite are the princess anthias

[ca1ore]

Not really. Certainly not outside the genus. Can be chippy within their species or with close relatives. Exceptions are Barrtletts and any in the Franzia sub-genus that can be more aggressive. Though, they're certainly not 'mean' like Tangs. FWIW Princess (smithvanzi, too lazy to check correct spelling) are among the toughest to get to eat consistently.

[PhaneSoul]

Thanks, I'll have to see where I'm at with a feeding schedule when the time comes.