Keeping bartlett's anthias?

Daniel@R2R · Apr 30, 2014

Hi guys! I'm working my way through my stock list for my 180, and I was planning to add a trio of Bartlett's anthias. However, lately I've heard that anthias shouldn't be kept in groups bc they tend to fight??? This goes against everything I'd heard prior to this that says they usually school together just fine (which is the main reason I'm getting them). Also, are there any secrets/cautions I should know before getting them? I understand they need to be fed multiple times a day (so I invested in an autofeeder by Eheim to feed twice a day and will feed once a day with frozen).

I've done a fair bit of research on it, but since I've never actually kept anthias before, I thought I'd throw out this question and let you experts that have kept them give me the real info. Thanks!

TrialandError · Apr 30, 2014

I have a trio of lyertail anthias in my 80 and they are fine

Swine · Apr 30, 2014

I've heard people suggest trios vs a pair because the dominant one will pick on two vs one fish. Bartletts are big jerks, maybe go for another trio. My lyretail trio (in 55ga 48" long) were peaceful until i added a single bimaculatus.

davocean · May 1, 2014

Bartletts are the exception to grouping as they tend to turn male, and become aggressive, usually you end up w/ one, two if lucky.
Most any other anthias can and should be grouped, and I advise at least 2-3 females minimum to spread out the badgering the male will be doing.
Lyretails have been very easy for me, and after success w/ those it seems easier to add other types of anthias, they all tend to group, finicky species tend to eat easier after seeing lyretails eating and thriving.

ChristopherKriens · May 1, 2014

Bartlett's are great kept as individuals but their "desire to be male" is stronger than most species. In a 180 you will likely end up with multiple males and the aggression that comes with it, but I've seen tanks that size with 2 or 3 males do just fine. I've kept close to a dozen species of anthias and they are by far the hardiest.

Daniel@R2R · May 1, 2014

How bout square Anthias?

I'm looking for colorful...I don't find the lyretails or dispar varieties to be that colorful.

Bryon · May 1, 2014

I have five bartlett's in my 180 (had six, but one jumped out). Four of the five have turned male. I've had them for over seven months and have never seen any aggression.

SteveM10 · May 1, 2014

I have 7 Bartlett's in my 410. A couple of them are the same size (bigger than all the others) and they do go at it from time to time but everyone is doing fine. I have had them for almost a year now.

Gwitness · May 1, 2014

I have a 180 also with a lot of rock....I have 3 purple queens...4 Lyertail...3 Dispar and 3 Bartletts!!! Mine do great and very rarely fight...I think having a lot of spots for them to hide and take cover If needed is a benefit for having the Matthias....I love all of mine and would recommend them!!! Bartletts might be my favorite ones

Daniel@R2R · May 1, 2014

Ok...now I'm reconsidering keeping Bartlett's again. LOL

davocean · May 1, 2014

mdbannister said:
Ok...now I'm reconsidering keeping Bartlett's again. LOL

Well, keep in mind the guy w/ 7 has them in a 400g tank, that will make a difference.
Also, while the females may be bright orange, the male will be a different color, mine being from fiji is bright purple.
Also, you are not limited to one species, I have a mix of lyre's, dispar, carberryi's.

Daniel@R2R · May 1, 2014

davocean said:
Well, keep in mind the guy w/ 7 has them in a 400g tank, that will make a difference.
Also, while the females may be bright orange, the male will be a different color, mine being from fiji is bright purple.
Also, you are not limited to one species, I have a mix of lyre's, dispar, carberryi's.

Yeah I caught that about the size of the tank, but I'm thinking if he can keep 7, I can keep 3. The only other type I'd thought about was a square Anthias.

davocean · May 1, 2014

Post how it goes.

Gwitness · May 1, 2014

I have 3 in my 180 no issues at all

Gwitness · May 1, 2014

My lyertail are the only ones to mess with anything....

jackson6745 · May 1, 2014

I have a pair in my 115g and they are always together, no issues. It's only been 3 months though.

wlk213 · May 1, 2014

I have a 75 Gal with 3 lyretail (1 male 2 female) a Bartlett and a sunburst and they all get along fine and they all school together

Sobo's Reef · May 1, 2014

I was leaning towards a trio of bartletts myself but then i talked myself out of it bc i heard they do get rather agressive. I just put 3 lyretails in my 150 yesterday! I love em, 1 male and 2 female. I already want to add more Lol I've also heard they need to be fed frequently so we'll see how it goes. I'll let ya know if I come across any problems tho!

davocean · May 1, 2014

Sobo's Reef said:
I was leaning towards a trio of bartletts myself but then i talked myself out of it bc i heard they do get rather agressive. I just put 3 lyretails in my 150 yesterday! I love em, 1 male and 2 female. I already want to add more Lol I've also heard they need to be fed frequently so we'll see how it goes. I'll let ya know if I come across any problems tho!

I use an eheim autofeeder, doses NLS pellets twice daily, makes it easy for the multiple daily feedings, then I feed some frozen at night.
Lyretails are pretty quick to accept pellets, often the finickier anthias will soon follow their lead.