Which Anthias species is right for me?

SallyWho · Mar 4, 2020

I'm thinking my 120g needs some anthias. Current occupants are a sizeable one spot foxface, a couple of clowns (who stubbornly refuse to pair up), and a firefish that I rarely see. I will soon be getting a wrasse, and the future holds a kole tang and a dwarf angel. What I'm looking for is an anthias species that isn't aggressive (won't beat each other up until there's only one left), won't all rapidly turn male, are hardy enough for a first-time anthias owner, and will stay small enough to keep 3-5 of them in a 120g. Does such a species exist? I was thinking Ignitus, Carberryi, or Dispar. I'm not a fan of those blotchy ones. What are your thoughts?

GlassMunky · Mar 4, 2020

I have a trio of dispars and they are doing great in my 210. Feed 2x a day and they are pigs eating up anything they can

Sierra_Bravo · Mar 4, 2020

I've had great success with five Bimaculatus anthias in my 120. Out of the three you listed, I'd choose Ignitus.

Jesterrace · Mar 4, 2020

Ignatus or Dispar would probably be the best choices.

Markhoh3 · Mar 4, 2020

I have 5 purple queen, 2 lyre tail and 3 pink tip in my 150 gallon. They all get along good.

GlassMunky · Mar 4, 2020

Markhoh3 said:
I have 5 purple queen, 2 lyre tail and 3 pink tip in my 150 gallon. They all get along good.

do the purple queens eat as well as the others for you?
heard they were extra picky

ca1ore · Mar 4, 2020

Purple queens are almost impossible to keep. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen them kept for more than a few months. Too bad because they are very pretty fish. Dispar or Ignatus would be the best choice. Not as colorful as some of the other ‘easier’ anthias, but not homicidal either.