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Anthias Species
By: Kevin Pockell |
Anthias Species
By: Kevin Pockell
These fish are one of my personal favorites. They range by species from hardy and aggressive to timid and delicate. Most of the species are difficult to get feeding and require at least a 75-gallon tank. They can be kept singularly but do best in small groups of one male to 4-5 females. The exception is the Serranocirrhitus latus (Sunburst, Fathead, Hawkfish,) Anthias. Only one of these per aquarium unless it is a very large tank (300 gal+), but it can be housed with other species of Anthias as long as it is added first. Anthias are not easy to keep but their beautiful coloration and active behavior are well worth the effort.
Selection
I would strongly recommend asking to see the fish eat before purchase. This will make the job of acclimation much easier. Anthias will hide in the rockwork when first introduced into their new home unless other established Anthias are present. This can make it difficult to get a good look at your perspective purchase. Anthias are active fish with a high metabolism so they often arrive quite thin. Be sure to look for a full-bodied fish that has clear eyes and fins. Most species of Anthias need to be housed with peaceful tank mates and require excellent water quality at 76-82F. They must be provided with plenty of places in the rockwork to hide and sleep in.
Feeding
Anthias are zooplankton feeders in the wild and require meaty foods. Mysis shrimp, raw white shrimp, and enriched brine shrimp are good foods to get them feeding. Once one or two of them start feeding it quickly triggers the others to begin feeding also. This is the main reason why Anthias do better in a group. For the first three months (or until they look full bodied) they should be fed at least 3 times a day. Then twice a day should be enough. Anthias have small mouths so the food must be small. Once they become established they will eat meaty frozen foods such as cube types and Freeze-dried plankton. Most Anthias must have a varied diet to maintain their bright coloration so be sure to feed them a combination of meaty foods.
Not to be replicated in the home aquarium but a beautiful array of colors shown here with Surgeonfish, Anthias and others.
Combatibility
Anthias are very reef safe and get along well with almost all other reef safe fish. They are “dither fish” which are fish that both smaller and larger fish use as a warning system that either the coast is clear or danger is near. In the wild many of the Anthias species mix together in shoals numbering in the thousands where the males of the species will maintain a harem of 6-8 females. Some of the species are too aggressive to mix with other Anthias unless you have a very large tank so be sure to research carefully before purchase. Anthias are very difficult to catch as they are expert swimmers and can hide in the smallest crevice in the rockwork.
Conclusion
Anthias can be a great addition but they require special attention to diet, water quality, and space requirements. They are not for the beginning hobbyist but they are one of the most brightly colored fish available. They make a stunning display as they swim over and through the reef.
Regards,
Kevin Pockell
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