Common name: threadnose bass
General information
The Slender Anthias, scientifically known as Choranthias tenuis, is a small and colorful reef fish that is popular among aquarists for its vibrant hues and dynamic behavior. This species is part of the Anthiinae subfamily, which is known for its members' striking beauty and active swimming patterns. The Slender Anthias is particularly noted for its slender body shape and bright orange to pink coloration, with males typically exhibiting more intense colors and a slightly larger size compared to females.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 8 cm (3″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers dimly lit aquariums
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp
- Social
- Pair Can be kept in pairs or small groups
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusBassletsChoranthias
- Speciesthreadnose bassChoranthias tenuis (Nichols, 1920)
- SynonymsAnthias tenuis Nichols, 1920
Care
Slender Anthias are considered moderate to care for due to their specific dietary and social requirements. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of swimming space and stable water conditions. These fish are planktivores in the wild, so a diet that includes a variety of small, meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is essential for their well-being. It's also important to feed them multiple times a day due to their high metabolism.
In terms of social structure, Slender Anthias do best in groups, with a single male and several females. This hierarchy helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior. However, care should be taken when introducing new individuals to an established group, as males can be territorial.
Reproduction
In the wild, Slender Anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and have the ability to change to male if the dominant male is removed from the group. In the aquarium, breeding Slender Anthias can be challenging due to their complex social dynamics and the need for precise water conditions. Successful breeding typically requires a large, species-specific setup with expert care.
Habitat
Slender Anthias are found in the Western Pacific, from southern Japan to the Great Barrier Reef and west to the Philippines. They inhabit outer reef slopes and drop-offs, usually at depths ranging from 10 to 70 meters. In these environments, they are often seen in large aggregations, swimming actively above the reef in search of plankton.