Anthias Question

[curiousphil]

When I added anthias to my old tank, I added a male and two females. Since moving them to the new tank, I've noticed that the larger of my two females is suddenly undergoing a sex transformation... she is darkening in colour and developing spots on her side fins. The original male anthias is conversely in rough shape - is this bad news for him? Will the new male kill him?

Or could two males possibly cohabitate in a larger tank?

 

[reef keeper]

The male will likely kill him or he will become sub dominate

 

[Jewel]

He's a gonner, try to get a few more females

 

[scubasteve]

i always thaught the dominant changes then kills the weaker one.... is normally how it works with similar things

 

[Jewel]

Guess that guy wasn't dominant. Note to self: When us guys lose our dominance don't be surprized that our girls turn on us and wipe us out LOL

 

[jroovers]

That is interesting that things are happening that quickly... I guess the female has assumed the male is toast and has started the transformation. I lost my male in my 120, and quite quickly the next dominant fish started to turn from female to male. Sounds like your three are becoming two, sorry to hear that. In short I wouldn't expect them to cohabitate as males even in as big of system as yours, if the original mr. pulls through.

 

[Jewel]

nature can be very harsh at times

 

[curiousphil]

Guess that guy wasn't dominant. Note to self: When us guys lose our dominance don't be surprized that our girls turn on us and wipe us out LOL

Lol!


The new male is definitely hounding the old one. Now the only question is: do I try and move him into the sump so that I can give him to a fellow reefer who can provide him with a safe home.

 

[Jewel]

That's a good idea, But can you catch him? They get stressed pretty easily.