anthias in a 55g
 

I was thinking about buying some anthias. Do you think 3 anthias (1 male and 2 females) will be ok in a 55. I read that they may need more space than that. I would like to hear from those of you who have or had anthias. Thanks

IMO it's not even worth keeping the species...everyone that I have had have died...and I have a healthy tank. They are tough to keep, I'm sure others will chime in and say the same.

I have a 210 and i started with 3 and am left with just one. I don't know if it was due to starving or low survival rate but they do swim a lot so they need to eat a lot. As for them being in a 55 i don't see why not. Mine doesn't really swim around the tank alot it mainly swims in its own little area.

Not really sure though.

I had 4 in my old 55 and they lived good for over a year until i had to get rid of them due to moving. As long as you keep up with feeding and maintanance they will be good. They like to be fed small quantaties often. I think i have pics in my gallery.

what specie would you all recommend

I have only tried lyretails (spelling?)

Not sure which are hardier than others. Also make sure you either go all female or one male and at least tre female. I hear the males get violent unless house with three or more females.

lyretails or bartlett's seem to be the hardiest.

I tried two in my 75 that didn't do well for too long. Personally, I think they need much more space then your 55 or my 75 to be successful, just my opinion though based on experience. I had Sunset or sunburst Anthias. Absolutely beautiful fish, but I just think they needed a lot more room then what I had to offer.