Anthias

Colorful Reef Schooling Fish

Anthias are some of the most colorful and elegant reef fish available, known for their brilliant pinks, oranges, and purples. Constantly active and schooling in the open water, Anthias bring life and motion to any saltwater aquarium, especially reef tanks with plenty of swimming space and vertical depth.

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Found throughout tropical coral reefs from the Indo-Pacific to the Red Sea, Anthias are members of the Serranidae family—closely related to groupers but much smaller and more colorful. In the wild, they form large, dynamic schools hovering above coral heads, feeding on plankton carried by the current.

At AquariumFish.com, we offer a diverse selection of Anthias species for sale, carefully acclimated for aquarium life. Each fish is selected for health, color, and activity, then shipped overnight to ensure safe arrival and fast adjustment to your tank.

Why Choose Anthias?

  • Brilliant coloration in pink, orange, purple, and gold hues
  • Active, schooling behavior that adds motion and energy to the tank
  • Peaceful and reef-safe, compatible with most community marine fish
  • Perfect for medium to large aquariums with open swimming areas

Care Tips for Anthias

  • Provide tanks of 75 gallons or larger for small groups
  • Feed multiple small meals daily—they prefer frequent feedings of meaty foods
  • Maintain strong water movement and high oxygen levels
  • Keep groups with one male and several females for natural social behavior

Popular Anthias Species We Offer

  • Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) – fiery orange body with purple accents; hardy and active
  • Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar) – soft orange-pink color, peaceful, and reef-safe
  • Sunburst Anthias (Serranocirrhitus latus) – deep orange and magenta; perfect for established reefs
  • Evansi Anthias (Pseudanthias evansi) – vivid purple and yellow coloration with schooling temperament
  • Squareback Anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia) – bold magenta males with distinctive square patch

For the best results, provide stable parameters, high water quality, and gentle water flow. Anthias thrive in mature reef systems with ample live rock and open swimming space.


Anthias FAQs

Are Anthias reef-safe?
Yes — Anthias are completely reef-safe and do not harm corals or invertebrates. They make excellent companions in peaceful reef systems.
How many Anthias should I keep together?
Anthias thrive in groups of 5 or more, ideally with one male and several females. Schooling reduces stress and encourages natural coloration and activity.
Do Anthias need special feeding?
Anthias are planktivores and prefer multiple small meals daily. Offer mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality frozen or prepared plankton substitutes for best health.

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