Common name: Painted Anthias

Scientific name: Pseudanthias pictilis (Randall & Allen, 1978)

General Information

The Painted Anthias, scientifically known as Pseudanthias pictilis, is a stunning and vibrant addition to any reef aquarium. Its striking coloration, featuring a blend of pink, purple, and yellow hues, makes it a favorite among aquarists seeking to add a splash of color to their tanks. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, this species is typically found in deeper reef environments, often in small groups or schools.

This species is highly sought after by hobbyists due to its beauty and relatively peaceful temperament. However, it requires specific care and attention to thrive in captivity, making it more suitable for intermediate to advanced aquarists. Painted Anthias are known for their active swimming behavior and their preference for open water spaces, which makes them a joy to observe in a well-maintained reef tank.

Details

Estimated price
Moderate
Recommended minimum volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
Temperature
24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.5
Average size
15 cm (6″)
Care level
Moderate to difficult Requires frequent feeding and stable water conditions
Diet
Planktivore Feeds on zooplankton; offer mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and copepods
Social
Harem Best kept in harems with one male and several females
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful Peaceful but may establish a hierarchy within their group
Captive bred
No
Conservation status
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Groupers
    Serranidae
  6. Genus
    Anthias
    Pseudanthias
  7. Species
    Painted Anthias
    Pseudanthias pictilis (Randall & Allen, 1978)
  8. Synonyms
    Anthias pictilis Randall & Allen, 1978
  9. Source: GBIF | Global Biodiversity Information Facility

Care

Caring for Pseudanthias pictilis requires a well-established aquarium with stable water parameters. They thrive in tanks with plenty of swimming space and live rock for hiding and resting. A tank volume of at least 300 liters is recommended to accommodate their active nature and social behavior. These fish prefer moderate to strong water flow, mimicking their natural reef environment.

Painted Anthias are best kept in groups, with a single dominant male and several females. This setup mimics their natural harem structure and helps reduce stress. Providing a varied diet and maintaining pristine water quality are key to their health and longevity. Regular feeding and a peaceful tank environment will ensure they remain active and vibrant.

Diet and Feeding

In the wild, Painted Anthias are planktivores, feeding primarily on zooplankton. In captivity, they require a diet rich in high-quality frozen or live foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and copepods. Supplementing their diet with marine-based pellets or flakes can also be beneficial.

Frequent feeding is essential for this species, as they have high metabolic rates. Feeding them two to three times daily in small portions will help meet their nutritional needs and keep them healthy. A varied diet not only enhances their coloration but also supports their immune system.

Behavior and Compatibility

Pseudanthias pictilis are generally peaceful fish, making them suitable for community reef tanks. They are most comfortable in groups, where they establish a social hierarchy with a dominant male leading the harem. Aggression is typically limited to interactions within their group, and they rarely bother other tank inhabitants.

These anthias are compatible with a wide range of reef-safe fish and invertebrates. However, they should not be housed with overly aggressive or territorial species that may outcompete them for food or space. Providing ample swimming room and hiding spots will help reduce stress and promote natural behavior.

Reproduction

Like many anthias species, Pseudanthias pictilis are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning all individuals are born female, and the dominant individual in a group transitions to male. Breeding in captivity is rare but not impossible. A stable environment with proper nutrition and a well-established social structure can encourage spawning behavior.

The female lays eggs in the water column, which are then fertilized by the male. The eggs hatch into planktonic larvae, which require specialized care and feeding to survive. Raising the fry is challenging and requires a dedicated breeding setup.

Habitat

In the wild, Painted Anthias are found in the Indo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. They inhabit deeper reef slopes and drop-offs, often at depths ranging from 20 to 60 meters. These environments are characterized by moderate to strong currents and abundant planktonic food sources.

To replicate their natural habitat in captivity, provide a tank with moderate water flow, plenty of live rock for shelter, and open swimming areas. Maintaining stable water parameters and temperature will help ensure their health and well-being.