Wow you’ve definitely put the effort in. I don’t have any experience QT’ng Anthias and only know what I see at my LFS, and what I’ve read about it. Despite reading multiple accounts where folks have kept a single male happily, I’m starting to wonder if it’s just one of those fish who frets or doesn’t eat by itself when not in a school or group like a PBT, or Moorish, or certain butterflies often do. I figured being in the presence of other fish as opposed to alone in QT would help.
He comes out of hiding but you can tell he wants out. Swims up looking at the corners, or against the glass, makes me sad and a bit guilty. Had I known they were this finicky I would probably not have given one a shot. His behavior is more akin to a lazy Goby who occasionally swims up the glass from time to time.
Yeah I have the same exact feelings. If I can find a group of females for sale I may purchase them. Makes me worried as I was looking to do a tank size increase and trying to hand feed him in a much larger tank may not work out well. Plus I already run into issues with my tank sitter not being able to reach him depending on his location so sadly he misses some feedings if I'm not around.