ANTHIAS Anthias live in large colonies around branching corals which they find shelter and a place to rest at night. They are active during the daylight and spend most of their time swimming above the coral reef, feeding on plankton. Their number of individuals within a specific school can be in the thousands. Schools are made up of smaller groups which are called harems with one male and approximately six to twenty females. Anthias species are all hermaphroditic. This means that if a dominant male dies, the largest female will often morph into a male and take its place in the hierarchy. These fish are completely reef safe and should not bother any corals, clams, or invertebrates. They are best kept singly unless you have a larger tank of 125 gallons or more. All Anthias except the Sunburst Anthias, should be kept as a trio 1 Male to 2 Females. In this arrangement, they will acclimate much easier, and act more like they would in the wild. Of course in larger tanks they can be kept in larger groups, at which point it could be best to keep at least 2 males in with 6 or more females.

Fathead / Sunburst Anthias (Serranocirrhitus latus) Description The Sunburst Anthias is one of the more demanding of the Anthias, and should be kept in as a solitary specimen, as it does not do well with others of it's own or with other Anthias. As with most Anthias kept in aquariums, the Sunburst Anthias will look their best when the tank has a lot of cliffs and overhangs, mimicking their natural environment. Diet: The Serranocirrhitus latus is a planktivore and likes to eat mysid shrimp, amphipods and other macroscopic life. Offer frozen Mysis shrimp, Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef (Frozen), and other small meat based foods. Minimum Tank Size: The Fathead/Sunburst Anthias prefers a tank of at least 75 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim. Level of Care: The Fathead/Sunburst Anthias is a high maintenance fish. Very delicate. Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Great for a reef aquarium! Availability: Please call prior to ordering this animal as it is often not available. approximate purchase size: 2-4" $69.99

Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias Dispar) Description: The Dispar Anthias is commonly known as the Madder Seaperch. Males have a bright red dorsal fin and lack any red stripes on their tail. The female may display a yellowish-orange on the top and pale lavender to white on the underside. Diet: Dispar do best when fed twice a day and do well on a diet of planktivore and they like to eat mysid shrimp, amphipods and other macroscopic life. Offer frozen Mysis shrimp, Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef (Frozen), and other small meat based foods. Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallon tank will suffice for one fish, however, if keeping a group, a 125 gallon tank should be used since Anthias appreciate plenty of room to swim. Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Great for a reef aquarium! Level of Care: Moderate approximate purchase size: 2-4" $34.99

Evansi Anthias (Pseudanthias evansi ) Description The Evansi Anthias is one of the more demanding of the Anthias, and should be kept in as a solitary specimen, as it does not do well with others of it's own or with other Anthias. As with most Anthias kept in aquariums, the Evansi Anthias will look their best when the tank has a lot of cliffs and overhangs, mimicking their natural environment. Diet: The Evansi Anthias is a planktivore and likes to eat mysid shrimp, amphipods and other macroscopic life. Offer frozen Mysis shrimp, Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef (Frozen), and other small meat based foods. Minimum Tank Size: The Evansi Anthias prefers a tank of at least 75 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim. Level of Care: The Evansi Anthias is a high maintenance fish. Very delicate. Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Great for a reef aquarium! approximate purchase size: 2-4" $39.99

Square Pink Anthias (Pseudanthias Pleurotaenia) Description: The male Squarepink Anthias is one of the most recognizable members of this family to aquarists. The male is nearly fluorescent pink in color with a purple square spot on each side. The female is a bright orange-yellow color with a thin blue line running from its head to its pectoral fin. Although it often swims in open water, the Squarespot Anthias requires several caves or hiding places where it can rest and avoid intense reef lighting. Diet: This Anthias does best when fed twice a day and does well on a diet of planktivore and likes to eat mysid shrimp, amphipods and other macroscopic life. Offer frozen Mysis shrimp, Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef (Frozen), and other small meat based foods. Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallon tank will suffice for one fish, however, if keeping a group, a 125 gallon tank should be used since the Squareback Anthias appreciates plenty of room to swim. Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Great for a reef aquarium! Level of Care: Moderate approximate purchase size: 2-4" Squarepink Anthias, Female (Fiji)   $39.99 Squarepink Anthias, Male (Fiji)  $54.99

Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) Description:The Lyretail Anthias are one of the more popular home tank anthias. The males have orange to reddish hues, while the females tend to be more yellow/golden. Males are best kept alone with several females, or singly. The Anthias dwells in the middle of a tank but appreciates the availability to have several hiding places. Diet: This Anthias does best when fed twice a day and does well on a diet of planktivore and likes to eat mysid shrimp, amphipods and other macroscopic life. Offer frozen Mysis shrimp, Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef (Frozen), and other small meat based foods. Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallon tank will suffice for one fish, however, if keeping a group, a 125 gallon tank should be used since Anthias appreciate plenty of room to swim. Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Great for a reef aquarium! Level of Care: Moderate approximate purchase size: 2-4" Lyretail Anthias , Female (Maldives)   $39.99 Lyretail Anthias, Male (Maldives)  $49.99

Ventralis Anthias (Pseudanthias ventralis) Description The Ventralis Anthias is one of the more demanding of the Anthias, and should be kept in as a solitary specimen, as it does not do well with others of it's own or with other Anthias. As with most Anthias kept in aquariums, the Ventralis Anthias will look their best when the tank has a lot of cliffs and overhangs, mimicking their natural environment. Diet: The Pseudanthias ventralis is a planktivore and likes to eat mysid shrimp, amphipods and other macroscopic life. Offer frozen Mysis shrimp, Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef (Frozen), and other small meat based foods. Minimum Tank Size: The Ventralis Anthias prefers a tank of at least 75 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim. Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Great for a reef aquarium! Level of Care: The Ventralis Anthias is a high maintenance fish. Very delicate. approximate purchase size: 2-4" Ventralis Anthias , Female (Maldives)   $69.99 Ventralis Anthias , Male (Maldives)  $89.99

Randalls Anthias (Pseudanthias randalli) Description The Randalls Anthias is one of the most beautiful in the anthias family. Male Randall's Anthias become striped in red and magenta while females will have a yellow nose. As with most Anthias kept in aquariums, the Randalls will look their best when the tank has a lot of cliffs and overhangs, mimicking their natural environment. Diet: Being a planktivore, it likes to eat mysid shrimp, amphipods and other macroscopic life. Offer frozen Mysis shrimp, Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef (Frozen), and other small meat based foods. Minimum Tank Size: Prefers a tank of at least 75 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim. Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Great for a reef aquarium! Level of Care: Moderate approximate purchase size: 2-4" $69.99

Bartletts Anthias (Psuedoanthias bartlettorum) Description The Bartlett's Anthias is also known as the Bartlets Fairy Bass. The males have a more intense coloration with a violet body and yellow running along the back through the upper caudal lobe. The females tend to be lavender in color with a yellow back and caudal fin. A beautiful fish for the fish only, invertebrate or reef aquarium. Diet: Being a planktivore, it likes to eat mysid shrimp, amphipods and other macroscopic life. Offer frozen Mysis shrimp, Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef (Frozen), and other small meat based foods. Minimum Tank Size: Prefers a tank of at least 50 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim. Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Great for a reef aquarium! Level of Care: One of the Easiest of Anthias to keep approximate purchase size: 2-4" Marshall Islands $59.99

Threadfin or Carberryi Anthias (Nemanthias carberryi) Description The Carberryi Anthias is also known as the Threadfin Anthias and comes from the reefs of the Maldives and is a very striking fish. These Anthias are purple on the head and abdomen area and the back and tail are yellow. Diet: Being a planktivore, it likes to eat mysid shrimp, amphipods and other macroscopic life. Offer frozen Mysis shrimp, Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef (Frozen), and other small meat based foods. Minimum Tank Size: Prefers a tank of at least 50 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim. Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Great for a reef aquarium! Level of Care: Moderate approximate purchase size: 2-4" Sri Lanka $59.99

Red Fairy Anthias (Pseudanthias kashiwae) Description The Tricolor Anthias is also referred to as the Cooper's Anthias, Red Fairy Basslet, Silver Streak, or Kashiwae Anthias. A well developed lateral red bar and a red caudal fin differentiate the male from a female which only has red tips on the caudal fin and a pinkish-orange body color. This is one of the few Anthias that can be kept with other varieties, e.g.; the Lyretail, Squarespot, and Purple Queen. Use caution when introducing the Tricolor to a tank. If there is aggressive or deadly behavior, the fish should be separated. Diet: Being a planktivore, it likes to eat mysid shrimp, amphipods and other macroscopic life. Offer frozen Mysis shrimp, Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef (Frozen), and other small meat based foods. Minimum Tank Size: It is best kept in a 25 gallon tank as a single specimen, or in a minimum of 70 gallon tank for a group. The Tricolor needs a large amount of room in which to swim. Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Great for a reef aquarium! Level of Care: Moderate approximate purchase size: 2-4" Maldives $39.99

Hutchi or Green Anthias (Pseudanthias hutchi ) Description The Red Cheek Anthias is also referred to as the Green or Sea Goldie Anthias. They normally inhabit shallow reef faces and drop offs.and originates within the reefs of the Solomon Islands. The males are yellowish green in color with an orange stripe located just behind the eye. Their fins are outlined in an electric blue color that gives the fish a very dramatic look. The females are not as brightly colored as the males and share the same orange stripe behind the eye. Diet: Being a planktivore, it likes to eat mysid shrimp, amphipods and other macroscopic life. Offer frozen Mysis shrimp, Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef (Frozen), and other small meat based foods. Minimum Tank Size: The Huchtii Anthias does best when kept in an aquarium of at least 50 gallons. Males are best kept alone with several females in an aquarium of at least 120 gallons, or singly. Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Great for a reef aquarium! Level of Care: Moderate approximate purchase size: 2-4" Hutchi Anthias, (Solomon Island) $69.99

Hawiian Fancy Bicolor Anthias (Pseudanthias bicolor) Description The Hawaiian Fancy Bicolor Anthias originates from the waters of Hawaii, where they form giant schools among the many reefs. The males have a more brilliant coloration with a violet body and yellow running along the back through the upper caudal lobe. The dorsal fin of the male is edged in purple, and the first ray is elongated. The females tend to be lavender in color with a yellow back and caudal fin. These are one of the hardier of the Anthias and make a wonderful addition to the saltwater reef or fish only aquarium. The Anthias dwell in the middle of the aquarium, but appreciates the availability of several hiding places. These fish should not be kept with aggressive fish that will cause them to become withdrawn from the rest of the community. Diet: Being a planktivore, it likes to eat mysid shrimp, amphipods and other macroscopic life. Offer frozen Mysis shrimp, Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef (Frozen), and other small meat based foods. Minimum Tank Size: The Hawaiian Fancy Bicolor Anthias does best when kept with its own species in an aquarium of at least 70 gallons, but is also a beautiful fish for the fish only, invertebrate or reef aquarium. Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Great for a reef aquarium! Level of Care: One of the Easiest of Anthias to keep approximate purchase size: 2-4" Hawiian Islands $49.99