Ventralis Anthias in a Lower Temperature Reef Tank?

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I just picked up a ventralis anthias, and these guys are beautiful, but tend to be a lower temperature fish. This got me wondering. Those of you keeping these guys or other cooler climate fish aren't likely to keep them at 78-80 degrees. So at what temperature are you keeping your tank? How do you recommend keeping these guys in a reef (since that's what I see usually done)? Or would you recommend keeping them in a separate tank altogether?

 

[BigKid4788]

Where you get them from? Been searching for a while now.

 

[Retro Reefer]

I have read they don’t like bright lights so keeping them in a reef tank may tend to stress them out.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Where you get them from? Been searching for a while now.

Got one yesterday at RAP. I'd check with some of the sponsors on here that specialize in fish. I know @FishyBusinessAq has a thread going where you can request rare fish: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/rare-exotic-saltwater-livestock-what-are-you-looking-for.423556/ You might also check with NY Aquatic

 

[ca1ore]

I've not kept them myself (one of the few I have not); though a buddy of mine used to. They stay small and are quite twitchy in the presence of larger fish. He had the most success in a low lit species tank with a temperature of around 74 degrees as I recall.

 

[AquaLocker]

Got one yesterday at RAP. I'd check with some of the sponsors on here that specialize in fish. I know @FishyBusinessAq has a thread going where you can request rare fish: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/rare-exotic-saltwater-livestock-what-are-you-looking-for.423556/ You might also check with NY Aquatic

Thanks @mdbannister - We don't have any right now, but do get them in periodically and our buyers know that we want them anytime they can get them for us.

If you are interested, we have an automated waitlist that you can sign up for and as soon as they hit our inventory, you get an email. Here is a short article on how to sign up: https://fishybusinessaquatics.com/dont-miss-out-on-the-livestock-you-want/

 

[ksfulk]

I keep my QT and other fish only systems lower in temp - something around 74-76 usually. The lower temp water is more oxygen rich and also help stunt some bacterial growth - all desirable things for QT. As for the ventralis themselves, I havent gotten a hold of those beauties before, but in general I find that those types of fish appreciate overhangs, versus pvc to hide underneath/in.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Thanks! My plan right now is to basically lower the temperature of my reef to around 76 degrees. I'm thinking this will strike a balance for the lower temp requirement for the anthias but still be high enough for most corals. I've at least a couple of people keeping these fish in reefs with 78 degree water, but I'm somewhat doubtful about whether this works out long term. @ndrwater @eatbreakfast any thoughts?

 

[ndrwater]

The lower temp is probably just fine. Many of the Reefs I have been on are not the warmer temps we actually keep at home. 76-78° should keep everyone happy for sure

 

[eatbreakfast]

The reef will be fine at 76°, thats still a touch warm for ventralis.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

The reef will be fine at 76°, thats still a touch warm for ventralis.

Will he be alright at that temperature? I know I've seen guys keep them in reef tanks. I'm just wondering what common practice is for keeping them in a reef.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Will he be alright at that temperature? I know I've seen guys keep them in reef tanks. I'm just wondering what common practice is for keeping them in a reef.

I am unaware of any that have lasted over a year above 74.