Anthias???

[prosper]

I have a 40 long with a 25 gallon refugim, skimmer, etc. so its set up to handle a heavy bio load. I would consider anthias my favorite type of fish an I really want to create a shoal in my tank. it is a very open aquascape with lots of caves toward the base and towers up to the surface( ill post a pic later). I'm willing to give up most or all of the rest of my bioload for the anthias.

ideally I would get 3 lyre tail and 4 green chromis, but should I skip those due to mortality rate? would I be better with just a pair of lyre tails? if I do a trio should I buy 3 females or 1 male and 2 females? if these are not a good choice (I've read conflicting info) what other anthias would work? if anthias aren't a good choice what would be a good peaceful shoaling fish I could get?

p.s. im not really a fan of cardinals

[OrionN]

Have keep Lyre tail anthias before, I consider 40 gal breeder too small for them.

[Tripod1404]

No school. You can probably keep one male.

[prosper]

I just convinced my mom to let me swap the 40 out for a 75... would. I be able to create a shoal in that tank?

[OrionN]

School and shoal fish do not behave like this in captivity. They need predators to force them into group for safety. In my 320 they are just like other fish. Movements are individualized. When spawn they interact with each other. The male napped and chased the female a lot. Keep them from changing by show them who is the boss.
In a 75 it is unlikely that you will see school or shoal behavior

[nereefpat]

The 75 is much better. A lyretail wouldn't work in a 40 breeder.

I agree that you won't see the shoaling, especially with lyretails. I think three would be a good number. Get small females and let them decide the sex thing.

[prosper]

The 75 is much better. A lyretail wouldn't work in a 40 breeder.

I agree that you won't see the shoaling, especially with lyretails. I think three would be a good number. Get small females and let them decide the sex thing.

well I just bought one male green lyre tail today, and it's currently in my 40 long (48x13x16.75) and that will be in a 75 in about a month along with a copper band butterfly I just bought, that was eating like a pig at the LFS

[prosper]

I decided I only wanted one and then some other anthias in the 75

[ca1ore]

Male Lyretails aren't green .....

[Tripod1404]

Male Lyretails aren't green .....

I think OP means huchtii's green anthias. Pseudanthias huchtii.

[ca1ore]

Yes, perhaps so. Hutchii are definately green, and maybe the most aggressive of the Franzia subgenus.

[prosper]

Yes, perhaps so. Hutchii are definately green, and maybe the most aggressive of the Franzia subgenus.

yes, indeed it is and this thing is a total dick... he WILL be finding a new home shortly