Common name: Olive Anthias

Care

Caring for the Olive Anthias requires some experience, as they thrive in well-maintained aquariums with stable water parameters. They are best suited for larger reef tanks with plenty of swimming space and live rock for hiding. These fish prefer moderate to strong water flow, mimicking the currents of their natural habitat. A tank with a capacity of at least 300 liters is recommended for a small group.

To replicate their natural environment, aquarists should provide a mix of open swimming areas and rock structures with caves and crevices. These features offer the fish a sense of security and help reduce stress. Olive Anthias are active swimmers and benefit from a tank setup that allows them to exhibit their natural schooling behavior.

Diet and Feeding

In the wild, Olive Anthias are planktivores, feeding primarily on zooplankton. In captivity, they require a varied diet to maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health. Offer a mix of high-quality frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, along with enriched flake or pellet foods designed for marine fish.

Feed them small portions multiple times a day, as their high metabolism demands frequent feeding. Ensuring a consistent feeding schedule is crucial for their well-being, especially in a community tank where competition for food may occur.

Behavior and Compatibility

Olive Anthias are generally peaceful but can exhibit semi-aggressive behavior within their social hierarchy. They are best kept in groups, with one dominant male and several females, to mimic their natural harem structure. This setup helps reduce aggression and allows them to display their natural behaviors.

While they are reef-safe and compatible with a wide range of tank mates, avoid housing them with overly aggressive or territorial species. They do well with other peaceful reef fish, such as gobies, wrasses, and tangs. Providing plenty of hiding spots can help mitigate any potential stress or aggression.

Reproduction

As protogynous hermaphrodites, Olive Anthias exhibit fascinating reproductive behavior. In a group, the largest and most dominant individual becomes the male, while the others remain female. If the male is removed or dies, the next largest female will transition to male. Breeding in captivity is rare but possible under optimal conditions. Spawning typically occurs in the evening, with the male performing a courtship display to attract females.

Raising the fry is challenging and requires a separate rearing tank with specialized food such as rotifers and copepods. Success in breeding this species is still limited to advanced aquarists and researchers.

Health and Common Issues

With proper care, Olive Anthias can live up to 5-7 years in captivity. Maintaining stable water quality, a varied diet, and a stress-free environment are key to their longevity. When selecting an Olive Anthias, look for individuals with clear eyes, intact fins, and active swimming behavior.

Common health issues include stress-related diseases such as ich and bacterial infections. Quarantining new additions and maintaining excellent water quality can help prevent these problems. Regular observation and prompt treatment of any signs of illness are essential for their well-being.

Habitat

In the wild, Pseudanthias olivaceus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around coral reefs at depths ranging from 20 to 50 meters. They prefer areas with strong currents and abundant plankton, which provide a steady food source. Replicating these conditions in captivity is crucial for their health and natural behavior.