Fish Selection Question

[member 99594]

Hey All,

To give you a bit of context I have an 80 Gallon DT with 2 clowns, 1 watchman, 1 lawnmower Blenny and 2 shrimp (Pistol and Cleaner). Various LPS corals....

I would like to have a school of Chromis, 3-5, thinking 3 with 2 Anthias.

Question, do I add the Chromis first or the Anthias or do I just add them all at the same time?

Cheers!!

 

[James M]

I would add the chromis first but don’t get 3 because 2 will pair up and kill the lonely one, but in some cases there will be a trio.

 

[member 99594]

I would add the chromis first but don’t get 3 because 2 will pair up and kill the lonely one, but in some cases there will be a trio.

So, if I did two of each I would be safe? and adding the chromis first wait a month or so and then add the anthias?

 

[eatbreakfast]

Don't get 2 anthias. Get 1 or more than 3. They don't form bonded prs, so the dominant one will bully the subordinate. More specimens diffuses the aggression.

 

[member 99594]

Don't get 2 anthias. Get 1 or more than 3. They don't form bonded prs, so the dominant one will bully the subordinate. More specimens diffuses the aggression.

So would I be better with 4 Chromis and 1 Anthias?

 

[Captain Quint]

IME odd numbers of Chromis worked okay but in the end, some seem to disappear or shunned. Kind of a catch-22.

But IMO and IME I always add least to most aggressive is the best path to take in general.

 

[eatbreakfast]

So would I be better with 4 Chromis and 1 Anthias?

I would recommend foregoing chromis and getting 5 anthias instead.

 

[Captain Quint]

I would recommend foregoing chromis and getting 5 anthias instead.

+1 It would look stunning with all Anthias.

 

[Kmsutows]

I agree with eatbreakfast... chronos just dont last long term. They're cheap and look nice in a group but once they mature they pick each other off. You're better off going with a nice group of anthias. I'd suggest all female anthias this way they sort out dominance and who turns male

 

[member 99594]

I would recommend foregoing chromis and getting 5 anthias instead.

+1 It would look stunning with all Anthias.

I agree with eatbreakfast... chronos just dont last long term. They're cheap and look nice in a group but once they mature they pick each other off. You're better off going with a nice group of anthias. I'd suggest all female anthias this way they sort out dominance and who turns male

Crap!! lol those are the $$$ ier ones lol. I am going to tell my wife it was your idea.

Thank you all for the insight. I am really working towards a happy reef.

 

[Captain Quint]

Crap!! lol those are the $$$ ier ones lol. I am going to tell my wife it was your idea.

Thank you all for the insight. I am really working towards a happy reef.

Hahahahaha. Yes, please blame me.

Happy reefing my friend.

 

[Art2249]

I agree with eatbreakfast... chronos just dont last long term. They're cheap and look nice in a group but once they mature they pick each other off. You're better off going with a nice group of anthias. I'd suggest all female anthias this way they sort out dominance and who turns male

How long do the anthias take to morph?

 

[member 99594]

Hahahahaha. Yes, please blame me.

Happy reefing my friend.

I found some Skunk Anthias (Pseudanthias tuka) they are not that bad, $49.00.. I could do 2 of those and 1 of the Princess ones..

 

[eatbreakfast]

I found some Skunk Anthias (Pseudanthias tuka) they are not that bad, $49.00.. I could do 2 of those and 1 of the Princess ones..

Tuka and princess are more difficult species. Dispar and randall are hardier.

 

[Kmsutows]

How long do the anthias take to morph?

It really depends. Can be a few weeks can be a year.. all depends. What's your experience @eatbreakfast? I'm sure its dependent on things like competition amongst the females

 

[ca1ore]

Tuka are almost impossible; princess a little easier, but still very difficult.

 

[Sailingeric]

I have one Chromis in my 75 gallon and they will do fine with just one if you want one.

 

[eatbreakfast]

How long do the anthias take to morph?

It depends on social hierarchy, size, feeding and other factors. It could just a few weeks or a couple of years.

 

[Jesterrace]

I would recommend foregoing chromis and getting 5 anthias instead.

Agreed. People are drawn into chromis by their coloration, low cost and CLAIMS of peaceful schooling fish demeanor. The reality is that many people have had nothing but trouble keeping more than 1 alive in their tank for a prolonged period of time. Anthias are definitely better fish for groups.