Sunburst Anthias

[blueface]

Thinking of adding a sunburst to my angel/butterfly tank. Are they a timid anthias or can they hold their own. Should I do a single or are they better as a pair or trio? Looking for people's personal experience with them.

 

[drawman]

I would think really aggressive tankmates could send them in to hiding. When I kept one it took a solid 3 weeks to get him used to me and food but once he was he would always come check us out near the glass and was a super personable fish. I never really had him with larger fish but I would definitely quarantine and use an acclimation box to make sure it is eating well before introducing.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

Of all the anthias I have had, the sunburst has been the most timid. I kept mine with seahorses and they still hid all the time. I'm not sure if keeping them in groups would help, I assume it would, but I don't know for sure.

 

[blueface]

Think I'll pass on them then. I have 8 angels & 2 butterflies & feeding time gets pretty crazy.

 

[M&M]

Sunburst are very shy, takes peaceful tank for them to feel comfortable. If you want anthia for your tank, get Borbonius anthia, body type similar to sunburst, but more colorful, not shy at all, can hold its own. They grow to about 5-6 in. , would be fine in your tank.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Sunburst are definitely timid, and best housed as single specimens.

The suggestion of borbonius instead was a good one.

 

[dochow]

I just added a sunburst to my tank a week ago after QT and my Kole Tang has scared him into hiding since intro to DT. He will not leave his one rock spot. Bummer.

 

[dochow]

For what it's worth, the Sunburst now swims freely all day by his escape rock. Looks happy now and Kole doesn't scare him much.