Two Male Lyretail Anthias?

[BigMax]

I quarantined 5 female lyretail anthias for 3 months, and during quarantine one quickly transitioned to a male. Those fish have now been in my 300-gallon FOWLR tank for about 3 months.

I recently bought 5 more females with the intention of moving them into the display before one had a chance to transition. Unfortunately, it turns out that one of the new fish was already beginning to transition, so I now have 2 males and 8 females.

The new male is considerably smaller than the established male.

Do you think it is possible to move all 5 new fish into the display, or would it be better to leave the second male in quarantine? I really don't want to lose the new male or create a situation where the two males are constantly fighting.

I'd especially appreciate opinions from anyone who has successfully kept two male lyretail anthias together, particularly when one male is significantly smaller than the established male.

What has been your experience?

 

[Rob A]

I had two males with 7 females in my 180 they got along great for months until one day when the smaller male decided that the larger male had to go. I now 7 females and 1 male in that tank