Yellow-spotted Anthias

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Restricted to the Western Pacific Ocean: from southern Japan to the Philippines, Palau, and eastern Indonesia. Found exclusively on deep outer reef slopes, between 30 and 100 meters, near rocky overhangs.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Serranidae. A small anthias species, reaching about 10 cm in total length. Body is slender with a moderately two-lobed caudal fin.

Social Behavior: Extremely shy and timid. Lives in small, scattered groups and prefers to stay close to deep crevices or caves to retreat immediately at any sign of danger.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Reddish-pink ground color with yellow stripes and longitudinal rows of small, bright yellow dots on the flanks. Adult males display brighter stripes and elongated pelvic and anal fins compared to females.

Aquarium Setup: Needs a tank of at least 250 liters with abundant rockwork to create deep caves, crevices, and shaded overhangs. Lighting must be dim or highly shaded. A tight lid is strictly required.

Diet and Feeding: Highly demanding zooplanktivore. Feed 3-4 times daily with small frozen or live foods: copepods, cyclops, newly hatched brine shrimp, and mini mysis. May initially refuse non-living food.

Water Quality: Demands pristine water quality and cooler temperatures (21-25°C / 70-77°F) as it does not tolerate high heat. pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.026. GH 15-25. A well-sized skimmer is essential.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: 100% reef safe. Must be kept with small and extremely peaceful tankmates (e.g. small gobies, firefish). Avoid aggressive or fast-swimming species like surgeonfishes, which will scare them away.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Captive reproduction is unknown due to acclimation challenges and pelagic larval phase.

Risks and Diseases: Very high risk of starvation if housed with fast-feeding competitors. Susceptible to bacterial skin infections and parasites under stress from bright lighting.