Anthias Fish

Posted in Anthias Fish, Reef Inhabitants, Saltwater Fish

Anthias fish are are known within the reef keeping community to be some of the most beautifly colored animals for your reef aquarium. These fish are hardy and considered reef safe, but require a little more attention than other fish in the hobby. Despite their small size, these fish require ample swim space and a rocky aqua scape for them to hide in an aquarium no less than 60 to 70 gallons. Also, in a tank this size it is recommended to only house 1 anthias because they can become territorial – If you have a larger tank (100 gallons or more), it is possible to keep a small school, but be sure to introduce them all at once. If you do decide to keep these fish in a group, it is recommended that you do no more than 3, 1 male and 2 females.

Although these fish belong to the Bass and Grouper family, they are reef safe and have a more peaceful displacement towards reef inhabitants. You should have no trouble with them getting along with corals and whatever invertebrates you may have in your reef tank. In the wild, Anthias fish spend most of their time in very large schools lingering above reefs eating plankton. Anthias fish are hermaphroditic creatures which means that if the male of the group dies, the largest female will actually change sex and assume the role as leader.

Marine Anthias come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and many different species. Some types of Anthias can grow up to 8 inches, while others do not reach over 2 inches. Anthias fish will eat meaty foods such as mysis shrimp or brine, but it is important to remember that these animals metabolize food quickly, which means they need to be fed mulitiple times a day (sometimes 3 to 4 feedings a day depending on the species). As I always recommend, please do your research on each type of fish before making a purchase – some animals may require more or less care, but you will always want to be prepared.

Anthias Fish