Description

• Scientific Name: Pseudanthias pictilis
• Common Names: Painted Anthias, Pictilis Anthias
• Maximum Length: 5 inches (12.7 cm)
• Minimum Aquarium Size: 70 gallons (265 liters); they are active swimmers and need ample open water space with moderate to strong current.
• Foods and Feeding Habits: Planktivore in the wild, feeding on zooplankton in the water column. In aquariums, offer a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality pellets. Feed multiple small meals per day to maintain health and coloration.
• Reef Safety: Reef-safe; will not harm corals or invertebrates. An excellent addition to reef aquariums.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful but can be semi-aggressive toward other anthias species. Best kept as a single specimen or in a harem of one male with several females. Provide plenty of hiding spots among live rock.
• Description: The Painted Anthias is a strikingly colorful deep-water species native to the Western Pacific, found at depths of 15-60 meters around coral reefs and rocky outcrops. Males display vibrant red-orange coloration with purple highlights, while females tend to be more subdued in yellow-orange tones. They are a hardy anthias species that acclimates well to captive life when provided with proper water flow and frequent feedings.
• Fun Facts:
  • Painted Anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning all fish start as female and the dominant individual can change to male.
  • They are found at greater depths than many anthias species, making them more tolerant of varied aquarium lighting conditions.