Anthias tank requirements?

[Nem0]

Any chance I can keep an Anthias in a 30 long? 3 feet long. I really love the look and color of these fish!

 

[Mal11224]

You should be able to keep them. They require frequent feedings and will eat small pellets but they love cyclops. They are good additions to any tank. I have 3. Male and two females of course.

 

[Nem0]

You should be able to keep them. They require frequent feedings and will eat small pellets but they love cyclops. They are good additions to any tank. I have 3. Male and two females of course.

would it be fine to keep just one?

 

[Mal11224]

I find it better to have a shoal when it comes to anthias. They seem to do better that way.

 

[Haydn]

Which anthias are you considering- different species range in size from 2 1/2" to 8". Some will group, some pair and others are individuals.

 

[ca1ore]

A general answer to this question is not useful. Some species of pseudoanthias remain quite small and a few would be fine in a 3’ tank. Others get large and would not. Latter would be pictilis, squares, bimacs, bartletts or lyretails. Most others remain smaller.

 

[FO_Reef]

would it be fine to keep just one?

Sunburst anthias is a great solo fish. Looks pretty interesting too.

 

[Kal93]

You should be able too—I have 1 resplendent and 1 ventralis in a standard 29G. They stay within a 12” zone swimming against the current and only leave this area during feeding time. I’d stay away from Bartlett’s, since they have a tendency to all turn male and kill each other off FYI. Be prepared for the bioload; I feed mine 4-6 times a day and employ a good protein slimmer, charro/algae scrubber, and regular water changes/bacteria dosing to keep nutrients in check. Totally worth it though!

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Definitely would be best to narrow down your preference for specific advice.

I have lyretail. They are awesome, but they need room to chase each other round the tank. They are fast swimmers. Like mentioned usually 2 female to 1 male of this type would be better, but 1 should be ok.

Also mentioned cyclops is a good food. I have had mine a while so they eat almost everything. I feed black worm and live/frozen clams and they love it.

Be sure to qt them as they are known to have issues. I put mine right into the DT even with the white spots on them, but I do NOT recommend this until well experienced, definitely QT

Great pets, just select the right one for your tank size and it’s roomates.