Square Back / Spot Anthias quick question

[Jongalt26]

I've done research but have received conflicting info and have been unable to answer my question: Are 2 male squareback / spot anthias in one tank better for the fish or should I just get one? Does anyone have any experience with this?

The rest of the story:
A local private fish seller has 2 squarespot males that i bought but havent taken possession of yet, both are eating frozen. These will be my first anthias since im finally prepared to feed them properly (mainly frozen 2x / day supplementing with an autofeeder - flakes or whatever i can get them to eat in QT). The seller indicated that they are getting along well together over the last month in their current tank and I should pick them both up since they are social fish, so I paid for them. I went to my LFS to find compatible foods and began discussing anthias with someone who is knowledgeable and he told me that having both males in the tank will most likely end up with aggression issues. Im wondering if one of the males will turn female or will it just end up being a battle between the two as they mature.

Im sure i can make changes to my order with the seller so would it be better to have two male squarespot anthias, or 1 squarespot and 1 purple queen anthia (i know they can be even more challenging).
Thank you for your time,
Jason

 

[sc50964]

If it's not a tank exceeding 300g, you can only have one male sq back anthias.

 

[wkscott]

Two alpha males with the same anthias species will lead to aggression, probably to the point of death. Once an anthias has changed to a male, there is no turning back to a female.
Most species of Anthias are best in harems. One male to at least 3 females. You want to introduce the females to the tank first and let them get comfortable. Then add the male.

 

[eatbreakfast]

I wouldn't keep 2 male pink squares unless the tank is huge.

Although it is possible for a male to revert back to female, it doesn't always happen, so sometimes keeping 2 together can lead to the death of one.

Pink squares can be kept singly in a tank.

Purple queens can be challenging, and it is only compounded by not keeping them in a group.

 

[Jongalt26]

Thanks a lot for the replies, i really appreciate it !