Squareback Anthias Question

[JustinGr]

I have a male that is about 3.250” and two females that are about 3.5”. The females stay hidden and burrow under rocks and just peek out their faces. The male roams like a shark all around the tank. Occasionally a female will pop out and he’ll swim up to her, present his side, and do some odd dance moves and then she will dart back into a crevice and disappear for hours. Is this normal for females? The male had been in the tank about 3 months. The females a few weeks.

 

[littlefoxx]

Anthias males bully the females, thats why they usually recommend as many females as you can get him the happier he will be. I had 4 females to my male when I had lyertails

 

[areefer01]

Is the male fully transitioned or in progress? What size display?

I have four one of which is in the transition phase as I type this. All are out, none have been kicked out or forced to hide. Dances are on going, nudges, head buts, and more to keep the 3 as females while it stays the male. No food issues as I feed hourly small portions and see them all eat. Full bellies.

 

[Uncle99]

Mine do that more when hierarchy was being set.
Mine after about 12 months always out, but, will give way to the male.

 

[JustinGr]

It’s a 120. The male is full male. The females are all clearly still females. I’ll give it time.