Fathead/Sunburst anthias questions

Joedubyk · Jan 4, 2020

I have 3 in a 108G setup. They are with 3 lyre tails (1M 2 F). Everyone gets along. Light aggression out of the male.

I would like to order more sunburst, but I am getting conflicting info on whether or not it would likely work. I rather get info from people w/ experience on anthias , as opposed to just parroting other websites.

Mastiffsrule · Jan 7, 2020

Evening,

I was wondering how long you have had the three you have. You have the right mix now it sounds like and it is working.

If they have been in there a while they have probably established territory and who rules who. If it is working I say stick with it. And with the size of the tank additional territory would be limited forcing more aggression in my opinion.

I have not kept a lot of anthias over the years due to their feeding requirements, so maybe someone else can chip in.

eatbreakfast · Jan 8, 2020

Sunburat anthias are more cryptic than other anthias. They are also very peaceful. Lyretails on the otherhand can be a bit boisterous with other anthias. If there is enough cover the sunburst should be fine, but if not it may get bullied.

IKD · Jan 8, 2020

I owned 3 in my 265. What I noticed was they had kept to themselves but would occasionally chase if one got too close to others territory. They never bothered other fish in any way. There territory’s were pretty large. For a 7’ long tank, they each had a third of the tank (~2.5 ft) and they were protective of the space with the other Fatheads.

I would be very cautious adding another one as they probably have their spaces marked out. A new Sunburst would probably get harassed a lot and may not survive it.

truetricia · Jan 8, 2020

I'm actually ordering two for my 120g now with Dr. Reef, so I'm following along. How are yours eating?

Joedubyk said:
I have 3 in a 108G setup. They are with 3 lyre tails (1M 2 F). Everyone gets along. Light aggression out of the male.

I would like to order more sunburst, but I am getting conflicting info on whether or not it would likely work. I rather get info from people w/ experience on anthias , as opposed to just parroting other websites.

Joedubyk · Jan 8, 2020

Mastiffsrule said:
Evening,

I was wondering how long you have had the three you have. You have the right mix now it sounds like and it is working.

If they have been in there a while they have probably established territory and who rules who. If it is working I say stick with it. And with the size of the tank additional territory would be limited forcing more aggression in my opinion.

I have not kept a lot of anthias over the years due to their feeding requirements, so maybe someone else can chip in.

Thats what I'm thinking as well

Joedubyk · Jan 8, 2020

truetricia said:
I'm actually ordering two for my 120g now with Dr. Reef, so I'm following along. How are yours eating?

Fine I order from TSM Aquatics in NJ. They QT and make sure the fish are eating /healthy before they sell. They're awesome.

Joedubyk · Jan 8, 2020

IKD said:
I owned 3 in my 265. What I noticed was they had kept to themselves but would occasionally chase if one got too close to others territory. They never bothered other fish in any way. There territory’s were pretty large. For a 7’ long tank, they each had a third of the tank (~2.5 ft) and they were protective of the space with the other Fatheads.

I would be very cautious adding another one as they probably have their spaces marked out. A new Sunburst would probably get harassed a lot and may not survive it.

I think your advice is what I'm going to go with. It seems like their spaces are marked out (they took up 1/3rds of the tank) and are doing well now.

Dang, i wish i could add 100!

IKD · Jan 8, 2020

Joedubyk said:
I think your advice is what I'm going to go with. It seems like their spaces are marked out (they took up 1/3rds of the tank) and are doing well now.

Dang, i wish i could add 100!

Me too! I love those fish. Great colors and usually out in the open hanging out.

Joedubyk · Jan 9, 2020

IKD said:
Me too! I love those fish. Great colors and usually out in the open hanging out.

For sure.! The lyretails are fun, too. The male is just a wee bit aggressive. . I just love anthias

jp_75 · Jan 11, 2020

eatbreakfast said:
Sunburat anthias are more cryptic than other anthias. They are also very peaceful. Lyretails on the otherhand can be a bit boisterous with other anthias. If there is enough cover the sunburst should be fine, but if not it may get bullied.

sorry to hijack the thread! will 2 lyretail work long term? i had 3 and one somehow died ... they still females.
tank is 90 gallons.thx

eatbreakfast · Jan 14, 2020

jp_75 said:
sorry to hijack the thread! will 2 lyretail work long term? i had 3 and one somehow died ... they still females.
tank is 90 gallons.thx

It may or may not work out. Lyretail gender is determined by social dynamics, so the dominant fish assures its position by asserting its dominance over submissive individuals. With only one other lyretail the bullying can be too much for the subordinate.