I'd like someone who has experience with the Square Spot Anthias because I've been considering a few for my stocking list but I want to hear some feedback first. The tank in question will be 125 gallons and 72 inches long.
On LiveAquaria, the Squarespot Anthias is said to require 100 gallons so sure. However, it also makes mention that a group of Squarespots require a 180 gallon tank. Now, anthias tend to lose color when they're not kept in a group and Squarespots are apparently notorious for losing their brilliant coloration even then. My question is could two Squarespots, one male and one female, work as a sort of compromise? Will the male lose the coloration I'm really looking for? Or is my tank actually large enough to house maybe three of them? I would like someone experienced with these dazzling fish to give some insight if possible. I know these guys get pretty freaking big for anthias, too.
My alternatives for the Squarespots would be a Powder Blue Tang which I hear very mixed reports on just their tank size, much less on their actual aggression or a Snowflake Eel which might limit my CUC, may produce much more waste than a few anthias, and I'm afraid will eat my smaller fish even if they are considered safe by comparison.
On LiveAquaria, the Squarespot Anthias is said to require 100 gallons so sure. However, it also makes mention that a group of Squarespots require a 180 gallon tank. Now, anthias tend to lose color when they're not kept in a group and Squarespots are apparently notorious for losing their brilliant coloration even then. My question is could two Squarespots, one male and one female, work as a sort of compromise? Will the male lose the coloration I'm really looking for? Or is my tank actually large enough to house maybe three of them? I would like someone experienced with these dazzling fish to give some insight if possible. I know these guys get pretty freaking big for anthias, too.
My alternatives for the Squarespots would be a Powder Blue Tang which I hear very mixed reports on just their tank size, much less on their actual aggression or a Snowflake Eel which might limit my CUC, may produce much more waste than a few anthias, and I'm afraid will eat my smaller fish even if they are considered safe by comparison.