Anthias

Anthias belong to the Serranidae family, and the Anthiinae subfamily. The genera of Anthias include: Anthias, Holanthias, Luzonichthys, Nemanthias, Plectranthias, Pseudanthias, Rabaulichthys, and Serranocirrhitus. Anthias are closely related to Sea Basses and Groupers. These fish can be recognized by their brilliant colors and elongated bodies. Anthias are found throughout the world, and exclusively inhabit coral reefs. Most Anthias reach a size of about four inches in an aquarium, and the largest reach an adult size of over eight inches in the wild.


In the wild, Anthias are seen in massive shoals where they hover above coral formations devouring zooplankton that pass by in the current. Most fish in this group are relatively hardy, but require food often (3 or 4 times per day) in order to thrive in the home aquarium.

Due to the complex social structure of Anthias in the wild, it is advisable to keep one specimen per tank in the average home aquarium. If the aquarium is over four feet in length, and has extensive hiding places, it is possible to maintain a small group of Anthias in an aquarium, as long as all of the fish are added simultaneously. Fish within this group should be maintained with other peaceful tankmates.

Male Anthias are usually larger and more colorful than females of the same species. Anthias have the ability to change sex. If the dominant male of the group should perish, the largest female will change color form, and will have the ability to successfully spawn with other females. The breeding of these fish in an aquarium is extremely difficult.

They are generally compatible with: Dwarf Angelfish, Large Angelfish, Anglers & Frogfish, Basslets, Blennies, Boxfish, Butterflyfish, Clownfish, Damselfish, Filefish, Goatfish, Gobies, Grunts & Sweetlips, Hawkfish, Hogfish, Parrotfish, Pseudochromis, Puffers, Squirrelfish and Tangs & Surgeons.

Caution is required with: Anthias, Batfish, Cardinalfish, Eels, Lionfish & Scorpionfish, Triggerfish and Wrasse.

They are not compatible with: Groupers, Seahorses & Pipefish and Sharks & Rays.