Common name: Randall's fairy basslet
General information
Randall's Anthias, scientifically known as Pseudanthias randalli, is a vibrant and active fish that adds a splash of color to any reef aquarium. This species is named after the ichthyologist John E. Randall. Males are particularly striking with their bright orange back and purple hues, while females tend to be more subdued in coloration.
These fish are part of the Anthiinae subfamily, which are known for their bright colors and dynamic social behavior. They are relatively small, reaching up to 3 inches in length, and are often seen darting among coral branches in the wild.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 8 cm (3″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers a well-established tank with hiding places.
- Diet
- Planktivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp, and other fine foods.
- Social
- Harem Best kept in groups with more females than males.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusAnthiasPseudanthias
- SpeciesRandall's fairy bassletPseudanthias randalli (Lubbock & Allen, 1978)
- SynonymsAnthias randalli Lubbock & Allen, 1978Pseudoanthias randalli (Lubbock & Allen, 1978)Psuedoanthias randalii (Lubbock & Allen, 1978)
Care
Randall's Anthias are moderately difficult to care for due to their specific dietary and social needs. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and a strong current. These fish are planktivores in the wild, so they require a diet rich in zooplankton and other meaty foods offered multiple times a day.
A group of Randall's Anthias should include one male and several females to mimic their natural social structure. If the dominant male perishes, a female may transform into a male, a process known as protogyny.
Reproduction
In the aquarium, breeding Randall's Anthias can be challenging. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. The eggs are buoyant and will drift with the currents until hatching.
Habitat
Randall's Anthias are found in the Western Pacific, from the Philippines to northern Australia. They inhabit coral-rich areas and steep outer reef slopes, typically at depths ranging from 25 to 180 feet.
Their natural habitat is characterized by clear waters with strong currents, which is essential to consider when replicating their environment in a home aquarium.