A Guide to Long-Term Anthias Success: Creating the Ideal Habitat

Schools of Anthias are one of the most vibrant sights on a coral reef and are highly desired in the marine aquarium. Species like the Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), the Dispar Anthias, and the Red Fairy Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar) add brilliant color and activity to any display. However, these fish have earned a reputation for being difficult to keep successfully for long periods. This difficulty is almost always the result of an improper environment. This guide will provide clear, practical steps for creating a habitat that meets the specific needs of Anthias, leading to a healthy, active, and long-lasting school. 

The Foundation: Social Structure 

Before setting up the aquarium, it is important to understand the social behavior of Anthias. In nature, they live in large groups with a distinct harem structure. A single, dominant male presides over a group of females. If the male is lost, the largest and most dominant female will change sex and take his place. For the aquarium, it is best to mimic this structure by keeping one male with a group of several females. Keeping multiple males in all but the largest of tanks will lead to constant fighting and stress. 

Tank Size and Aquascape 

Adequate space is essential for a peaceful group of Anthias. A larger aquarium provides more territory and reduces aggression between females. The aquascape should be built to provide a sense of security. Abundant live rock with many complex caves, crevices, and overhangs is necessary. The fish will use these areas to rest at night and to retreat when they feel threatened. It is equally important to provide a large, open swimming area above and in front of the rockwork. This open space will allow the fish to school and feed in a natural manner. 

Mimicking the Reef: Water Flow 

Anthias come from areas of the reef with strong and consistent water movement. They are planktivores that spend their days in the water column, swimming against the current to catch food particles. To replicate this, the aquarium should have strong water flow. Use multiple powerheads or wavemakers to create a broad, steady current throughout the open areas of the tank. This encourages natural exercise and helps keep food suspended in the water longer during feeding time. 

The Most Critical Factor: Feeding 

The primary reason Anthias fail to thrive in an aquarium is starvation. This point cannot be overstated. These fish have an extremely high metabolism from their active lifestyle and require a constant supply of food. A single daily feeding is not enough to sustain them long-term. 

To ensure success, Anthias must be fed multiple small meals throughout the day, with a minimum of three feedings being essential. The diet should consist of high-quality, small-particle frozen foods. A varied mix of enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, calanus copepods, and other marine plankton preparations is ideal. A healthy Anthias should have a gently rounded belly, not a pinched or flat stomach. For retailers, ensuring this frequent feeding schedule in holding systems is the single most important step to providing healthy, robust stock to customers. 

Water Quality and Suitable Tank Mates 

The required heavy feeding schedule places a significant load on the filtration system. A powerful protein skimmer and a consistent maintenance routine are necessary to keep water quality high and nitrate levels low. When choosing tank mates, select peaceful fish that will not bully the Anthias or aggressively outcompete them for food. Slower, more deliberate feeders are often poor tank mates for an active school of Anthias. 

In summary, the keys to keeping a thriving school of Anthias are providing a proper social group, a large tank with complex rockwork, strong water flow, and a strict schedule of frequent feedings. By meeting these specific needs, retailers can transform these delicate fish into a hardy and beautiful centerpiece for any marine aquarium. 

To inquire about our current stock of healthy and well-conditioned Anthias, please contact our sales team. 

sales@etropicalfish.com