Description

Scientific Name: Pseudanthias huchtii
Common Names: Huchtii Anthias, Redcheek Anthias, Threadfin Anthias
Maximum Length: 5 inches (12 cm)
Minimum Aquarium Size: 120 gallons (454 liters) for a small group; larger tanks support their active nature and group dynamics.
Foods and Feeding Habits: Carnivorous, focusing on zooplankton in the wild. In aquariums, provide frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood; transition to high-quality flakes or pellets. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, with live foods like copepods if needed to encourage eating.
Reef Safety: Reef-safe; they coexist well with corals and most invertebrates without causing harm.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive, particularly males toward others of their kind. They form haremic groups with one male and multiple females; choose peaceful tankmates to maintain harmony.
Description: The Huchtii Anthias offers a lively presence in marine setups. Males display a yellowish-green body with a prominent orange stripe behind the eye and blue-trimmed fins, while females share the pattern but in softer tones. Found in the Western Central Pacific, from the Philippines to Vanuatu, they prefer outer reef slopes at 3-30 meters depth. In tanks, they benefit from strong currents, rocky hiding spots, and open swimming areas. Their needs for stable water (72-80°F, pH 8.0-8.5, specific gravity 1.020-1.026) make them a good fit for those with some experience, rewarding keepers with their schooling activity.

Fun Facts:

• These anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites, where the dominant female can change into a male if the group loses its leader.
• Males are territorial, maintaining harems in small groups around coral outcrops.
• Their distinctive orange “red cheek” stripe adds a pop of color, especially vivid in males during displays.