Secret To Successful Anthias Keeping?

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

I bought some lyretails from Live Aquaria, but they all died the next day, despite a long aclimation time, a copperband butterfly fish and a powder brown tang both made it fine, so acclimation is likely not the cause. Anyways, I really want to give it another go, any tips to get them going good and healthy?

 

[Aquaph8]

#1 treat them for Flukes. Lyretails are pretty tough as far as Anthias go, with healthy individuals you should be fine, just feed them good.

 

[Cubbies]

Lyretails imo are one of the toughest fish in the hobby. Like Brett said, with a healthy specimen you should be more than ok. They do require multiple feedings through out the day so remember that. I want to say you probably got an unhealthy individual or he got way too stressed during shipping.

 

[Aquaph8]

It might just be me but Ive found females to be less shy upon introduction and its fun to watch one change to male over time.

 

[SDguy]

Died the next day? IMO they were doomed to begin with. Anthias are just tiny bass... eating is the main issue. IME they don't get ich, or other parasites, easily. Bacterial infections and flukes are another story, but a quick FW dip will let you know if flukes are an issue. Nonetheless, any anthias that dies that fast was not right to begin with. With respect to anthias, lyretails are some of the hardiest.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

I bought 5, 1 was DOA, so I figured something might be wrong from the start. I will be buying local next time.

 

[SDguy]

Well, LA has a great 14 day guarantee, and I've received many of my anthias from them, so I would just use your warranty to replace them.

 

[Aquaph8]

Ive had such good experience with LA. My LFS can beat their prices sometimes but never the service or guarantee.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

I opted for a refund, I would rather wait until I found some healthy ones, then they wouldn't be stressed by shipping.

 

[brannock_16]

+1 to multiple and varied regular feedings. Anthias have a high metabolism and are constantly in the water column once acclimated and comfortable. Very active fish and nice to add.