I think I just made a bad purchase. Can I get some help with the Starburst Anthias?

Yeah I've been having some major thoughts on what fish to purchase so I went to my LFS today and fell in love with the above starburst. They told me it was reef safe, fine in my 29 gallon, and also very hardy and easy to keep. As I am reading now it doesn't seem so... What I read about other anthias fish all pointed to positive so I thought this starburst wouldn't be a big deal. can I get some help with the care for this fish and if I hve been screwed by a LFS!

Thanks.

 

I've heard mixed thoughts on the sunburst. I almost got one for my 37, but then bought other fish before my LFS got one in stock. My LFS suggested it to me, and I was a total newbie at the time. Other people have said they are hard to keep. They do require frequent feedings, like 3 times a day, and prefer lower lighting, however they will adjust. I think you should keep the guy! As far as anthias go, they aren't as difficult as some of them.

And I am jealous!!

 

Thanks KC for the help!

I am only feeding once every other day so I am going to have to change that up now huh?

Sorry for making you jealous, I really couldn't decide on a fish and when I saw these at the fish store about an hour away I had to have one!

 

My LFS guy told me they need to eat like 3X a day. Some people on here have said you must feed multiple times per day while the anthias is getting established, but once it's eating well you can cut back. So I'm not really sure - differing opinions on that one.

They are really pretty fish!! Enjoy him!! And post pictures!

 

Just dropped him in. He ran behind all the rock work and hasn't moved at all for like 15 minutes is that normal?! Its freaking me out because the only fish I have had were clowns and a six-line before and they all just started swimming around once in the tank.

 

Fish that are more shy sometimes will hide for days, but usually it's just like a day or so. He'll be fine. If you didn't already, turn your lights off for a few hours to help with his stress.

 

Notes: Although it often swims in open water, the Sunburst Anthias requires several caves or hiding places where it can rest and avoid intense reef lighting. Anthias species are all hermaphroditic. This means that if a dominant male dies, the largest female will often morph into a male and take its place in the hierarchy. These fish are completely reef safe and should not bother any corals, clams, or invertebrates. They are best kept singly unless you have a larger tank of 100 gallons or more. When keeping in groups it is best to select individuals of various sizes and to add them all at the same time. Suitable tankmates include other passive such as gobies, basslets, small wrasses, pygmy angels, and small tangs. Feed frozen preparations containing mysid shrimp, brine shrimp, and other finely chopped marine meats twice per day.

Maximum Length: 5.1 in.
Care Level: Moderate
Family: Serranidae
Reef Compatibility: Excellent
Minimum Aquarium Size: 50 gal.
Range: Western & South Pacific
Diet: Carnivore- meaty foods
Water Conditions: 74-80° F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4

 

Alrighty turned off and moonlights on. He has been moving now so no worries.