anthias question

[csababubbles]

i have a trio of Resplendent Anthias (Pseudanthias pulcherrimus) consisting on one male and two females. They are already introduced into a 200+ gallon tank. Would I be able to add additional females to this tank at any point in the future? I would like to get a few more females, QT them, and then put the in the display but it will take another month or two to do all that, so the trio in the display right now will that have amount of time to get used to the display tank.

 

[bc_slc]

There may be some initial ruckus as the male asserts himself over the new females, but I think it would be fine. If you want to add more anthias this is really the best alternative and the current anthias may still be settling in.

Mat

 

[csababubbles]

thats what I was hoping to do but I read in a number of different publications that its best to put them all in at once. what would happen? would the in-house females harrass them or would the male harrass?

 

[bc_slc]

The male will boss them around a bit.

I think this is the best option if you have already added some of them. The only alternative would be to QT your current fish for longer allowing them to overlap with the new anthias. They would have the protection from stress from the other fish in the display tank, but much less space to work out their issues. If you main tank is relatively peaceful with few fish, I would QT your current fish, move them into the display, QT the second set and move them over with the lights off and see how it goes.

 

[leebca]

Speaking only in generalities, the male usually tries to 'herd' as many females as other males will allow. The females often establish a hierarchy in their group. New females may find it difficult to fit in and the added stress can lead to death, injury, disease, or. . .a peaceful expansion of the pecking order.