Lyretail Anthias (one, two or none?)

I am thinking about adding orange anthias to my tank. But not sure how many.

I've been reading these forums and few other sites. I've also asked at LFS and seem to be getting conflicting information between various sources:

- LFS said that one is a bad idea and i should add at least 2.
- Blue Zoo Aquatics on the linked page says that you should do 1 or a large group. I assume that means that 2 is not recommended.
Lyretail Anthias, Scalefin Anthias - Pseudanthias squamipinnis
- Some forum posts say to defiitely do 3 and doing 1 or 2 is bad idea.

My tank situation allows me to add 1, 2 or none. I definitely cannot go more than 2.

Whats the true story here?

Thanks.

 

Typically anthias do better when you have a group, as its easier for them to adapt from the wild where they live in groups.

I would ask, why do you think you can only do 2 or less? Also, you are talking about lyretails, correct? Theres lots of diversity in the anthias family, just like the wrasse family, and different species can be completely different in care requirments.

 

Tank constraints. I only have 55g. Current stock is:
2x 1.5" chromis, 1x 2" rock beauty, 1x 2" hawk fish, 1x emerald crab, 1x cleaner shrimp, buncha various snails.
I also plan to add yellow watchman + tiger pistol shrimp.

I figured all of the above leaves room for 1 maybe 2 fish tops. I am also going sumpless on this one with good filter, skimmer and plenty of substrate + water movement.

I understand that in about a year or so ill have to move some out of the tank as they grow larger.

 

Above i added.to my post.

 

Yes. I am definitely interested in lyretails (orange ones with purple around the eye).

 

Bump. Anyone?

 

Stick with one in 55 gallons. Your tank is much too small for three - they are feisty. I have three in 90 gallons, and I'm thinking I'll have to move them out at some point. Lyretails do ok by themselves. They prefer groups, but can live singly as well.

 

When thinking about your filtration, remember that you'll be feeding an anthias 3 times/day.

 

1 is OK, they tend to be aggressive though. People say with two, the aggression is too focused on the one weaker one. So, people recommend having multiples to help spread out the dominant ones agression. I think this is a good idea. You may want to also look into the Fathead Sunburst Anthias. They are really cool fish and probably will do better if kept singly.

 

Sounds like 1 is the way to go for me for feeding, filtration and agression reasons. Hopefully he's not going to pick on the rest of the fish too much. If he does, ill take him back.