Lori's Anthias

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Distributed in the Indo-Pacific, from the Cocos-Keeling Islands to the Society Islands, north to the Philippines, and south to the Great Barrier Reef. Inhabits deep outer reef walls and steep slopes near caves at depths of 20 to 70 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Serranidae. Features a slender body and large eyes adapted for low-light deepwater conditions. Reaches up to 12 cm in total length.

Social Behavior: Schooling species, forming small harems or colonies near deep caves or rocky archways. They hover facing the current to feed, retreating immediately into crevices when alarmed.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Peach-pink or magenta ground color with a series of 6-8 distinct vertical red bars on the upper back, and a purple spot on the tail. Males display elongated pelvic fins and brighter colors.

Aquarium Setup: Demands an aquarium of at least 300 liters. A complex aquascape with plenty of live rock, dark caves, and shaded overhangs is critical. Dim lighting is preferred, and a tight lid is mandatory.

Diet and Feeding: Zooplanktivorous. In captivity, must be fed 3 to 4 times daily with small frozen foods like mysis, cyclops, copepods, and brine shrimp. Hard to transition to dry foods.

Water Quality: Demands pristine water chemistry and high oxygen levels. Temperature 22-26°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.026. GH 15-25. Heavy skimming is vital due to the high waste inputs.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: 100% reef safe. Must be housed with calm, peaceful tankmates. Avoid aggressive surgeonfishes or territorial damselfishes, which will keep them permanently hidden.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Captive spawning is virtually non-existent due to their complex ecological needs.

Risks and Diseases: Highly susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) under stress. High risk of starvation if feeding is infrequent. Notorious for jumping from open aquariums.