seabass Posted July 27, 2021 Share Posted July 27, 2021 (edited) Anthias Anthias are known for being finicky eaters (even to the point of starvation), poor shippers, and sometimes prone to infections when stressed. But they are also some the most beautiful reef fish in the ocean; and fortunately for us, some species of Anthias are both hardy and peaceful (Lyretail, Bartletts, or Dispar Anthias are often considered the most forgiving for those new to keeping Anthias). Provide a generous amount water flow and live rock that recreates its natural reef environment (with caves, slopes, and overhangs). A well fitting top is also required. Anthias make a stunning addition to a peaceful fish community. However, a large species specific tank is ideal, where a single male is kept with several (maybe four to six) females and juveniles, or kept alone (singly) in smaller tanks (close to the recommended minimum tank size). Anthias are hermaphroditic. So if a dominant male perishes, the largest female of the group will often take its place (which can take a few months). Males usually have a different coloration than the females. Anthias are considered planktivores (which eat pods). In the wild, they eat zooplankton throughout the day. In the home aquarium, they need to be fed no less than three times a day (4 or 5 being better). An attached pod refugium is recommended to supplement their diet throughout the day (with live food). You might initially try feeding frozen mysis shrimp, but gut loaded live brine shrimp might be required to entice feeding. Eventually, you might be able to wean them onto other frozen foods, or even quality dry foods (which could be used with an automatic feeder). Sunset Anthias (Pseudanthias parvirostris) Max Size: 3" Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Maldives Resplendent Anthias (Pseudanthias pulcherrimus) Max Size: 3" Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Indonesia, Maldives Waitei Anthias (Luzonichthys waitei) Max Size: 3" Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons Care level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Fiji Species Notes: Anthias within this genus do not differ between the genders. Especially shy, the Waitei Anthias may require extra care. It's best kept in small groups of five or more individuals. Bartlett's Anthias (Pseudanthias bartlettorum) Max Size: 3.5" Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Marshall Islands Princess Anthias (Pseudanthias smithvanizi) Max Size: 3.5" Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons Care level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Fiji, Indonesia Species Notes: The Princess Anthias is a deep water species and may be difficult to acclimate. They are also poor shippers. Keep lighting low initially; but over time, it should adapt to stronger lighting. Ignitus Anthias (Pseudanthias ignitus) Max Size: 3.5" Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons Care level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Maldives Carberryi Anthias (Nemanthias carberryi) Max Size: 4" Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Africa, Maldives Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar) Max Size: 4" Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Indonesia, Sri Lanka Evansi Anthias (Pseudanthias evansi) Max Size: 4" Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons Care level: Moderate to Difficult Temperament: Peaceful Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Maldives, Sri Lanka Red-Bar Anthias (Pseudanthias cooperi) Max Size: 4" Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Indo-Pacific Red Saddled Anthias (Pseudanthias flavoguttatus) Max Size: 4.5" Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons Care level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Indonesia Species Notes: The Red Saddled Anthias may be difficult to acclimate. They are collected in waters of up to 98 feet deep and prefer low to moderate lighting conditions, but will eventually adapt to stronger lighting. Red Belted Anthias (Pseudanthias rubrizonatus) a.k.a. Tri-Color Anthias Max Size: 5" Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Indo-Pacific, Indian Ocean Species Notes: The Red Belted Anthias displays aggression towards conspecifics and other anthias. But it can be kept singly or in small shoals comprised of several females with one male. Indian Ocean Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) Max Size: 5" Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Africa, Kenya, Maldives Fathead Sunburst Anthias (Serranocirrhitus latus) Max Size: 5" Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Indonesia, New Caledonia, Philippines Species Notes: The Fathead Sunburst Anthias prefers to hang out at the bottom of a deep tank, with low to moderate intensity lighting. Huchtii Anthias (Pseudanthias huchtii) Max Size: 5" Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Indonesia Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) Max Size: 5" Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Melanesia Bimaculatus Anthias (Pseudanthias bimaculatus) Max Size: 5" Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Maldives Blood Spot Anthias (Pseudanthias luzonensis) Max Size: 5" Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Indonesia Stocky Anthias (Pseudanthias hypselosoma) Max Size: 7" Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia Squareback Anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia) Max Size: 8" Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons Care level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, New Caledonia Photos by Edited July 28, 2021 by seabass 2 Quote Link to comment
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