Stocky Anthias

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widespread in the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Maldives and Sri Lanka to Samoa, north to southern Japan, and south to the Great Barrier Reef. Inhabits deep lagoons and sheltered seaward reefs at depths of 10 to 50 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the genus Pseudanthias. Features an unusually deep and robust body compared to other anthias. Reaches a maximum size of 15 cm (6 inches).

Social Behavior: Semi-aggressive. While schooling, dominant males are highly territorial and maintain a strict hierarchy within the harem. Generally peaceful with other families.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Males are reddish-pink with a silvery-yellow belly and a prominent square red patch on the dorsal fin, with violet tips on the tail lobes; females are mostly plain orange-pink without the dorsal patch.

Aquarium Setup: Needs at least 450 liters of volume with a strong skimmer, high flow, and ample open swimming space. Rockwork must provide safe nocturnal refuges. A secure lid is required.

Diet and Feeding: Planktivorous. Adapts much easier to aquarium life than other anthias. Readily eats frozen mysis, brine shrimp, chopped krill, and adapts well to small dry pellets. Feed 2-3 times daily.

Water Quality: Demands clean and stable reef parameters: temperature 24-26°C (75-79°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.022-1.025, GH 15-25, and KH 8-12.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: 100% reef-safe. Keep one male with a harem of 4 to 6 females. Best housed with active, robust reef fish. Introduce the group together.

Aquarium Breeding: Extremely rare in home aquaria. Proterogynous pelagic spawners.

Risks and Diseases: Notably hardier than other Anthiinae but still requires regular nutrition to prevent wasting. High jumping risk.