Male Lyretail Anthias kept singly

sps1-2-b · #1 11/28/2007, 01:07 AM

I have a single male Lyretail Anthias in my 130 gal along with 3 Bartletts and 2 Dispar Anthias. I've read that they can be kept singly. My question is would he lose his coloration without any female lyretails present? Would his coloration be more vibrant with females, or does it matter? TIA.

faded1004 · #2 11/28/2007, 01:08 AM

i got females in need of a male! hahahaha... sell it to me!!! it woudl help me for not going to marine depot...

i think it is okay... i think the grouping helps with acclimation? not sure... but my females are doing great with out a male? they eat like crazy and look nice...

sps1-2-b · #3 11/28/2007, 01:49 AM

Thanks for responding faded1004. One of your females will turn into a male in no time. At least you get to enjoy the transition. Awesome fishes huh?

xtm · #4 11/28/2007, 04:23 AM

I've had my single male Lyretail for about 3 months before I added two more females. He never lost coloration, but then again it was only for 3 months.

faded1004 · #5 11/28/2007, 11:15 AM

yea, i heard they will change... i really like the color of the fish. i was thinking about buying a few more females to kind apush the transition of one of them... i have been having a hard time finding a male. they are always sold out at the stores. i know there is 1 of them that is kinda growing fast... may be that one will transition?

you shoudl take a picture of the fish and post it on here for people to see...

sps1-2-b · #6 11/28/2007, 08:23 PM

Anyone else have their male lyretail singly for a long period of time? Notice any color fading? If needed I will add one or two females.

coast2coast7390 · #7 11/28/2007, 08:33 PM

it would be a better idea if you added some females

faded1004 · #8 11/29/2007, 10:43 AM

may be you shoudl just add them? i think they are only 15 each right? shoudl be pretty affordable?

sps1-2-b · #9 11/29/2007, 10:56 AM

Thanks for all of your input everyone. Could I add just one female or do I have to add two? Trying to keep my fish count low. I already have ten in my 130 gal. 3 Bartletts, 2 Dispars, 1 Clown, 1 yellow belly blue tang, 1 tongan flame wrasse, 1 helfrichi, and 1 lyretail. Plan on getting a mystery wrasse. I have 200 gal total volume.

faded1004 · #10 11/29/2007, 11:25 AM

i think pacific reef has some really small lyretails... you can check them out?