Anthias question

JVH · Sep 22, 2015

My question is this. I have a Lyretail Anthias (squamipinnis) I believe is female according to what the FS told me. I recently added a Bartlett Anthias. I don't know if its male or female and I just also recently found out like clowns, they change sex! So With this combo what is most likely to happen? The dominate one changes? So far they are getting along however that are on separate sides of the tank most of the time but I have seen no aggression or interest even n the other. Will they turn? could they actually spawn? And most importantly, I hope one doesn't kill off the other !
Anyone know about these two guys? or gals

ebushrow · Sep 22, 2015

The anthias group is sexually dimorphic. I am not sure when you mix species what will happen when it comes to sex determination though...usually you have anthias in groups of 3-5 with one male and the rest females as they are a harem type fish to be happy...the male squami will have a very long 1st dorsal fin spike and will be bright red/pink...females are a different color all together (yellow/orange)....I believe this is the same for bartletts as well...

eatbreakfast · Sep 23, 2015

Gender in anthias is based off of social interactions. If a male does not keep females in check they will transition into males.

Bartletts and squamis are both on the aggressive side for anthias. They may chase a little, especially during feeding, but they should coexist.

kenniole · Sep 25, 2015

1. Neither of them should turn. 2. They should coexsist =]

eatbreakfast · Sep 25, 2015

kenniole said:
1. Neither of them should turn. 2. They should coexsist =]

Point 1. I disagree with. Experience has shown me otherwise.

Point 2. I agree.

kenniole · Sep 25, 2015

eatbreakfast said:
Point 1. I disagree with. Experience has shown me otherwise.

Point 2. I agree.

so #1 you kept 1 female of each and they both turned?

I know awhile back I had a single lyretail that turned male, but the anthias was already in the process of turning.

eatbreakfast · Sep 25, 2015

kenniole said:
so #1 you kept 1 female of each and they both turned?

I know awhile back I had a single lyretail that turned male, but the anthias was already in the process of turning.

In one of my customer's tanks, yes 1 of each and both turned. It took just a few months.

JVH · Oct 3, 2015

Im not sure if mine turned yet or not but I have one of each and they get along great..

JVH · Oct 8, 2015

Bringing this question back to life... Because my Bartlett is now living in the corner vertical. He is fine in every way, eating, breathing, socializing...Just hangs in the same corner and I noticed him or her perching on a mag float! Could he or she be changing? Or could does anyone think it could be a health issue? He swims fast to the food! Eats like a pig! Just hangs by the float in a vertical position and I also have a n ammonia badge in that area ad I catch him trying to go under that. I hope he's ok.. I don't know the behavior patter of the Bartlett especially if he's changing....
Would love to hear some comments on this..

Thanks
Judith

eatbreakfast · Oct 8, 2015

JVH said:
Bringing this question back to life... Because my Bartlett is now living in the corner vertical. He is fine in every way, eating, breathing, socializing...Just hangs in the same corner and I noticed him or her perching on a mag float! Could he or she be changing? Or could does anyone think it could be a health issue? He swims fast to the food! Eats like a pig! Just hangs by the float in a vertical position and I also have a n ammonia badge in that area ad I catch him trying to go under that. I hope he's ok.. I don't know the behavior patter of the Bartlett especially if he's changing....
Would love to hear some comments on this..

Thanks
Judith

No, this is more of stress behavior. It should be out in the open. If it has a shimmy to it's swimming or a bulge in the abdomen it could be a sign of a swim bladder infection.

If not, then my next guess would be that it is being bullied.

Were it transitioning then it would be very bold and behaving like a dominant male.

JVH · Oct 9, 2015

eatbreakfast said:
No, this is more of stress behavior. It should be out in the open. If it has a shimmy to it's swimming or a bulge in the abdomen it could be a sign of a swim bladder infection.
If not, then my next guess would be that it is being bullied.
Were it transitioning then it would be very bold and behaving like a dominant male.

I don't believe it has any health issues. Well nothing visible anyway.. Its swimming normal when he swims. He could be getting bullied bt it can't be anything to serious because I constantly watch the tank and on an occasion I see a little chase but I do not recall it being with this guy. I just don't know what to do with him!