Anthias

[BROKER]

My LFS has two that he calls Queen Anthias. They do not look like Purple Queen Anthias but more like the pink Hawaiin Anthias that is on the FFExpress website. Anyone know a sure fire way to tell the difference between the two? Are the Hawaiin Anthias as difficult to keep?

 

[Len]

I'm not comfortable with common names, so I can't say for sure what you're referring to. Purple Queens (P.tuka) are terribly difficult to keep alive in captivity. You may be seeing a female specimen, which differs remarkably from the males usually photographed. I'm not sure what species Hawaiian anthias refers to. Perhaps P.hawaiiensis (or P.ventralis hawaiiensis as some taxonomist prefer). It's a completely different looking species, so I'm not sure we're talking about the same fish. Try to find a pic that closely matches the specimen in your LFS, and I can ID it from there.

In any case, anthias require constant feeding - 2-3 times a day. Don't buy one unless you can devote that kind of care. Plus, the two species aforementioned are hard to husband. I'd stay away from them unless you're very experienced with anthias care.

 

[naesco]

I would agree.
If you want to read an excellent discussion on anthias check out Scott Michael's talk in the library at the beginning of this site.
He tells us the easier one to keep an debunks some myths.
If you do buy one ensure that it is plump, eating aggressively and has no spots or tears on its body.

 

[Neal358]

if you want to get some anthias you should look at the bartletts anthis. thay arnt very agresive and do VERY well in the home aquarium and ship VERY well also

 

[BROKER]

http://www.ffexpress.com/setfish.htm

I hope this brings up the picture.
I am almost sure this is what I am seeing at the LFS.

Nope it doesn't but if you click on Anthias to the right wait for the names it will be the second one down.

Thanks for the info!

[ October 17, 2001: Message edited by: BROKER ]

[ October 17, 2001: Message edited by: BROKER ]

 

[Len]

A female P.tuka looks similiar, and that's what I would guess your LFS has. Reasons why: Purple Queens are usually used only to describe P.tuka or P.pascalus. P.tuka and P.bicolor come from disimiliar locations and are not usually confused with one another, scientific or common name. P.tuka comes from more popularly collected waters.

Like I mentioned, it's a tough species to keep alive for extended periods of time. I'd go with other species, like the Lyretails (P.squamipinnis), Dispars, or Barlett's that Neal mentioned.