How to deal with bleaching anthias?

Ok, so I've been lusting after a nice pair of lyretailed anthias for quite some time. I finally had the opportunity so I picked up a really nice pair of them. I was going to add them to my fowlr but decided against it due to the larger angels in the tank. So I put them into my 72 reef tank. So it's been a couple of weeks and the male seems to be bleaching out under the MH lighting. Now I know anthias are very popular in the reef aquarium. So what's the secret to getting them to keep there color.

Matt

 

Not sure on anthias specifically, but 'faded colours' are often a result of a poor diet. Or rather not diverse enough. --> I'm not saying your feeding inadequately just try more diversity in your feeding.

 

it could also be cyanide poisoning. does it have trouble breathing? if not then just feed different stuff like already said above. good luck and keep us updated.

 

Lighting typically does not affect the colour of Fish. Diet 100%

 

I have read that anthias are prone to fading under bright light. I'm feeding a decent variety but will mix it up a bit. The fish are doing well so I doubt cyanide.

Matt

 

I did not know that. I guess you learn something every day

J

 

I have read that the males will fade in color due to no competition. There is no need to look better since they will not loose there females.
I have read this about the pink spot anthias. I also understand that it doesn't take very long for them to loose there color.

 

It is in fact the male that fades. The female looks the same and it does happen quickly for sure. Won't two males fight? I was going to get two more females for him.

Matt

 

I had a pink square anthias that lost color fairly fast.
Not sure what happened but I gave a good variety of food. He was a lone anthias. I have heard if there are no females they turn into a female.

 

The males will fight But in the wild they see each other and there is plenty of room for them to have territories.


I purchased 1 male and 3 females. They all died from lymphocyctis.
But the male had it first and died first.
It was amazing to see the biggest female turn colors so quickly.



This may be stupid :-/but I would have to try just for the heck of it.
Put a picture of a male up to the glass and see if your male responds.
If he does and just flashes at the pic and doesn't go nuts maybe this would be enough to keep him beautifull. Maybe he will think he has potential competition always.
(if you have a place to keep a pic that wont take away from the beauty of your tank).