Successful Pink Square Anthias group

germs101 · Jul 5, 2017

I am pretty sure I want a group of Pink Square Anthias. From my reading I get the impression that they are not as aggressive as Lyretails or Bartletts, but they are not as delicate as Dispars (please share experiences if you find this to be untrue). They will be going into a 265 gallon tank. Since they will eventually grow to 8" I don't want to get too many, but I want to get enough that they don't kill each other. I'm thinking 4 would be an okay number, but if I could be successful with 3 I'd prefer that.

Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!

eatbreakfast · Jul 6, 2017

I've found that once they settle in pink squares are quite hardy. Males don't ship as well as females, so if you get them simultaneously, have found in a few instances, that a dominant female will usurp the male, sometimes leading to death of the male, sometimeswith the male reverting to female. I would recommend getting a male first, and once it settles, add 3-4 small to medium females.

@ca1ore

ca1ore · Jul 7, 2017

I've kept groups of squares on a few occasions. Males are a pain, and very twitchy. My own preference is to just buy females and let them 'decide'. The only downside of this approach is that a turned male may not be as colorful as one acquired. They need space and frequent feedings (like bimacs, Pictilis, etc.). Doubt they'll get to 8"; mine usually topped out at 5-6".

germs101 · Jul 7, 2017

ca1ore said:
I've kept groups of squares on a few occasions. Males are a pain, and very twitchy. My own preference is to just buy females and let them 'decide'. The only downside of this approach is that a turned male may not be as colorful as one acquired. They need space and frequent feedings (like bimacs, Pictilis, etc.). Doubt they'll get to 8"; mine usually topped out at 5-6".

I'm happy to hear you had success with that arrangement. I just ordered 4 females My tank is understocked, so hopefully they settle in nicley after qt.