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Sunset Anthias

(Pseudanthias parvirostris)

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 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Expert   • Temperament: Semi-aggressive   • Maximum Size: 3"
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Diet: Carnivore   • Origin: Indo-West Pacific
• Family: Serranidae   • Species: Anthias   • Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible

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Native Habitat and Species Information

Sunset Anthias native habitat, distribution, behavior & aquarium compatibility.

Sunset Anthias are a beautiful, social species that can be found among deep water (usually below 100') areas throughout the Indo-West Pacific. Due to the social nature of Sunset Anthias, they should be housed in groups of one single male to approximately 4 to 7 females, all schooling together in a 150+ gallon aquarium. Sunset Anthias are also hermaphroditic and the dominant female of a group will morph into a male without the presence of a dominant male. Sunset Anthias are generally peaceful, but have been known to show territorial aggression towards conspecifics as well as other anthias species. Heterospecific tank mates aren't usually an issue and Sunset Anthias can coexist peacefully with many different species. Due to their vivid color form and their very active nature, Sunset Anthias are in high demand for large reef and FOWLR systems alike. Sunset Anthias are readily available through online vendors and local retailers.

Aquarium Care

How to successfully keep Sunset Anthias in the home aquarium.

A solitary Sunset Anthias should be provided with an aquarium of no less than 55 gallons, while a small school (5 to 8 total specimens) would require an aquarium of at least 150 gallons. The aquarium should be provided with plenty of live rock with structure forming many different caves and crevices for territory and refuge. Because they a such an active species, they require a large amount of open, unobstructed swimming space in addition to adequate water movement and oxygenation. As a deep water species, Sunset Anthias require subdued to moderate lighting (at most) and should always be introduced and acclimated to a new system under subdued lighting, gradually changing to moderate over some time. High light intensity is not recommended as they may never fully acclimate to an aquarium environment if subjected to it.

They are quite active and require pristine water chemistry; they should be provided with efficient, quality biological and mechanical filtration in addition to a quality protein skimmer. They are relatively peaceful, reef-safe species that should be kept with other peaceful, community oriented tank mates. Although Anthias are found in very large numbers in the wild, due to their hermaphroditic hierarchical nature and territorial tendencies regarding their own species, only one male and a group of females should be housed together within an aquarium environment.

Feeding & Nutrition

How to feed and provide proper nutrition for Sunset Anthias.

Sunset Anthias are carnivorous and mainly feed upon zooplankton in the wild. In the aquarium, they can sometimes be reluctant to feed, but can be enticed with amphipods, copepods, rotifers, and brine shrimp as well as foods such as prepared zooplankton, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped mysis shrimp, and other tiny or finely chopped seafood items. With the presence of others of their species, they will be less reluctant to feed; due to their constant activity and high metabolisms, they should be fed at least two, preferably three times a day.

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