Are Anthias Jumpers?

[Fliger]

I was hoping to add a school of anthias to my tank. The tank is 48L x 32W and there is lots of swimming room with the width. Problem is that its totally open top - no canopy or bracing. What would be my best bet with a school of Anthias - I was hoping to add a school of 5-6.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[Wolverine]

They can be a little skittish, and it's not uncommon for them to jump, especially when they're setting up their harem hierarchy.

Dave

[Fliger]

Thanks Wolverine. In your opinion, are there any that are less likely to jump? I was thinking of Bartletts since I've read they are the hardiest.

[bigdee65]

I have 6 Lyretail Anthias and have yet to see them try and jump. My Fairy and Flasher Wrasse's have tried to jump (I have a closed canopy) but I have never seen any of the Anthias try and jump.

IME they are very fast swimmers and like to dart in and out of the rock work to escape attackers (my male is always chasing the females around).

[Fliger]

Thanks. Are they aggressive? I'm trying to decide between Bartletts or Lyretail. From what I've read, they are both hardy, and smaller - which is what I'm looking for.

[bigdee65]

The six Lyretails that I currently have are not aggressive to any other tank mates but the Male does "attack" the females all the time. I believe this is to keep the pecking order in tack and ensure none of the other females turn male. I have not experienced any fin or body damage on the females so I am not to worried about it.

I have also heard some people say their Lyretail's were aggressive not only to other Anthias but to other fish. Bartletts on the other hand show little to no aggression towards other fish and to themselves.

HTH

Oh and the Lyretails get rather large quickly. My male is about 4-5" right now.

[Wolverine]

I personally would go with the Bartlett's if you've never kept anthias before.

Dave

[pecan2phat]

When I first placed a few squamipinnis in and they became accustomed to feeding time, I've had one or two jump out of the tank during the feeding frenzy. It freaked me out one time when one jumped right into my arms as I was holding the cup of thawed frozen food.

[Angel*Fish]

I just lost my first fish ever due to jumping :sad1: :thumbdown

Beautiful little dispar anthias. Poor little guy. My canopy is enclosed, but I found him on the center brace. His mouth was open so wide trying to gasp for air. I could just cry - it makes me sick. I know this was preventable.

If anybody knows a good way to keep the fish off the center brace, please share.

My $.02 - you have to cover your tank for most fish except in the most sedate of tanks, maybe - anthias are so active

Oh - I also had a bicolor anthias jump once - he manged to find the one 1x1 inch space that wasn't covered at the time, but someone was there to plop him back in the water (he was fine)