lone male anthias reverting to female coloration?

[likeavillain]

I read a scott michael article on reefs.org (can't find the link) saying this might be a drawback to keeping a male anthia by himself, but I don't have a big enough aquarium for a harem.

Anyone experienced this?

[dvmsn]

I have experienced it with fairy wrasses. I haven't had much luck with anthias.

[tom obrecht]

No personal experience but I have heard of it happening. I have alot of anthias in my tank and the males are rounding up the girls and I'm personally convinced that is why they stay that way. If you have one male there may not really be a reason for him to stay that way. My LFS also stuck a bunch of male squa's together and now there is one male that really stands out in coloration and the rest seem to be average.

[Milkshakeboi]

Never knew this could happen?!?!

[shelburn61]

The LFS has a bunch of Barlett's in the display tank with one "super" male and some smaller, less drmatic ones.

I obviously want the most colorful fish, but I'm scared to put only 3 of one anthias species in a tank.

Anyone had success with small Bartlett's groups?

[Big E]

I have three lyretails & 2 Bartletts in my 120g reef. Even though the species are different there is a distinct pecking order. The male Lyretail is the boss. The male Bartlett resides over all the females as well but he definately is much easier on the female Bartlett.

Even if I didn't have the lyretails I feel that a pair of Bartletts would be fine together.

[1package]

I had 3 bartlett, 2 did not make it, not sure if it was due to the small number, they were in a 125g. I had the single anthias for about a year, upgraded to a 210g and a month later added 3 more a Bartlett. They have been together about 6 weeks. One of the three (small) stays hidden alot. There does not seem to be excessive fighting, just a little chasing. But the larger male - his colors went to great. Furthermore, (for lack of the proper name), he has a spear on his top fin that sticks up alot now. I had never even seen it before. They all seem to be doing well.

I am considering adding a single pink square back.

[Matt Sable]

Originally posted by 1package
I had 3 bartlett, 2 did not make it, not sure if it was due to the small number, they were in a 125g. I had the single anthias for about a year, upgraded to a 210g and a month later added 3 more a Bartlett. They have been together about 6 weeks. One of the three (small) stays hidden alot. There does not seem to be excessive fighting, just a little chasing. But the larger male - his colors went to great. Furthermore, (for lack of the proper name), he has a spear on his top fin that sticks up alot now. I had never even seen it before. They all seem to be doing well.

I am considering adding a single pink square back.

To get the little one out of hiding, it would probably be a good idea to get a few more female Bartlett's{around 4 more}. The reason people say big groups can be best is because in smaller groups the weaker fish gets all the attention from the male and the females{who are trying to establish who's boss}. The larger the group the more the agression gets spread out. And as for the squareblock, they tend to lose their colors in the intense lighting that most reef-tanks have. Good Luck!!

[shelburn61]

The (seemingly knowledgable) LFS guy told me 3 Barlett's would be the best bet. Should I go with only two instead to avoid the third getting bullied?