Anthias Care Guide — Managing Beautiful Schooling Reef Fish

Anthias are stunning, colorful reef fish known for their active schooling behavior. Popular species include Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), Bartlett's Anthias, and Dispar Anthias. They add vibrant movement to reef tanks but require specific care.

Anthias have high metabolisms and need multiple small feedings daily (3-4 times). They primarily eat zooplankton in the wild, so offer enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets. Automatic feeders help maintain the frequent feeding schedule.

Keep in groups with one male and several females (anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites -- dominant females change to males). Minimum tank size is 200 liters for small species, larger for bigger species. Strong water flow and excellent water quality are essential. Anthias are generally reef-safe and compatible with corals.

On BriChoku, marine fish breeders can advise on appropriate group sizes and tank-raised specimens that adapt more easily to captive feeding.