Common name: Yellowtail Coralfish

General information

The Yellowtail Coralfish, or Yellowtail Anthias, is a small, vibrantly colored reef fish known for its striking yellow tail and pinkish to orange body. It is a member of the Anthias genus, which comprises many species popular in the reef aquarium hobby due to their active behavior and schooling nature. Pseudanthias flavicauda is often found in groups, swimming in the water column above the reef where they feed on zooplankton.

Care

Yellowtail Anthias are moderately challenging to keep due to their specific dietary and social requirements. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of swimming space and stable water conditions. A diet of small, meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is essential for their health. It's beneficial to feed them multiple times a day due to their high metabolism. These fish do best in groups, with one male to several females, as they are social creatures that exhibit shoaling behavior in the wild.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Yellowtail Anthias can spawn if conditions are optimal. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning females have the ability to turn into males if the dominant male is no longer present. Breeding can be a challenge due to the need for precise water conditions and the difficulty in raising the delicate larvae.

Habitat

Pseudanthias flavicauda is native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around coral reefs and slopes. They are typically found at depths ranging from 10 to 70 meters, where they can take advantage of the currents to catch their planktonic food.