Anthias
These fishes belong in the "Order Perciformes" and placed in the "Suborder Percoidei" as members of the "Family Serranidae"(Groupers & Anthias) which then contains the "Subfamily Anthiinae." It consists of 20 genera with about 170 species, which are mostly small, peaceful, and beautiful, yet somewhat difficult to maintain. They colonize the reefs in tropical seas in large numbers and are mainly zooplankton feeders. Anthias mostly inhabit reef faces and slopes/drop-off areas at various depths and are mostly found in a temperature range of 72 - 80°F (22 - 27°C). Since they associate closely with the reef structure, the aquarium should have ample rock structures and hiding places so as to reduce their stress level.
They require exceptional water quality and good water movement and are schoolers in nature, therefore, it may be better to keep them in small groups in the aquarium. Yet, mixing different species in a small aquarium can cause serious disposition problems, which may lead to fighting, injury or death.
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These elongated Anthias are called 'Splitfin' Anthias and there are about six identified species, however, have little value as aquarium specimens. They are zooplankton feeders and form large shoals that inhabit current swept drop-off areas. Male and female do not differ in coloration.
Often referred to as the 'Threadfin Anthias' this one species of interest differs from the very similar 'Pseudanthias' members because it has one more dorsal spine - eleven rather than ten. Like other Anthias it is a zooplankton feeder. There are two color forms, one is reddish pink with yellow spots on each scale and lighter pink on the ventrum. The other is purplish violet with a violet dorsal fin and yellow on the posterior portion of the body and caudal fin (Scott Michael, 1998).
By far the most common of the Anthias family and generally referred to as 'Fairly Basslets' or just plain 'Anthias.' There's about 30 species of interest to aquarists in this genus, some of which have yet to be steadily collected for aquariums. Most are described here.
Originally placed in the Hawkfish family, it was later moved to the Anthias family. They differ from their cousins as they have very deep bodies and elongated fins that extend back as far as the anal fin. The shape of their eye and mouth are also somewhat different, as they present a menacing look. They also swim upside down under overhangs and in caves.
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