Anthias

17 Colorful saltwater anthias for sale, with species-specific social structure and frequent-feeding needs.

Shop saltwater anthias for sale and compare current species by color, adult size, social behavior, feeding needs, and aquarium suitability. Review each listing for the exact fish, size, price, and availability.Anthias are active planktivores that often bene... Read more Show less

Shop saltwater anthias for sale and compare current species by color, adult size, social behavior, feeding needs, and aquarium suitability. Review each listing for the exact fish, size, price, and availability.

Anthias are active planktivores that often benefit from frequent small meals and carefully planned groups. Compare all saltwater fish and browse our saltwater fish species guide for detailed profiles.

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Answers

Do anthias need to be kept in groups?

Not always. Social needs vary by species and aquarium size. Some anthias can be kept singly, while planned groups require enough space, shelter, and an appropriate sex ratio. Poorly planned groups may lead to persistent bullying and weight loss.

How often should anthias be fed?

Many anthias benefit from several small meals each day because they naturally feed frequently in the water column. Use suitable pellets and varied frozen foods, confirm every fish eats, and match filtration and nutrient export to the increased feeding.

Are anthias reef safe?

Anthias are generally considered coral safe and are commonly kept in reef aquariums. They may eat very small planktonic crustaceans, but they do not normally damage corals. Their space, feeding, and social needs remain the primary concerns.

Why is one anthias hiding or losing weight?

The fish may be stressed by social aggression, feeding competition, disease, unsuitable tankmates, or acclimation problems. Observe interactions and feeding closely, test water quality, and be prepared to isolate a bullied or declining fish for evaluation.

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More info and buying tips

Species choice and social planning

Anthias species differ in adult size, aggression, preferred depth, and willingness to adapt to aquarium life. Some form manageable groups in large systems, while others are better kept singly or require experienced care. Research the exact species rather than applying one schooling rule to all anthias.

When planning a group, consider sex ratio, aquarium dimensions, retreat areas, and the likelihood that social hierarchy will change. Have a plan to separate a bullied fish instead of waiting for weight loss or persistent hiding.

Frequent feeding and filtration

Anthias are active planktivores and often do best with several small meals spread through the day. Use quality pellets and varied frozen foods of suitable size, and confirm that shy individuals receive food rather than relying on one heavy feeding.

Frequent feeding increases nutrient input, so filtration and maintenance must match the routine. Remove uneaten food, monitor nitrate and phosphate trends, and balance nutrition with the aquarium’s export capacity.

Flow, shelter, and tankmates

Provide oxygen-rich water, useful current, open swimming areas, and shaded rockwork where subordinate fish can retreat. Avoid chaotic flow that prevents controlled feeding or traps a tired fish away from shelter.

Choose tankmates that do not monopolize food or harass anthias continuously. Quarantine new arrivals when possible, keep temperature and salinity stable, and watch appetite and body condition closely during acclimation.

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Anthias

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Bimaculatus Anthias - Female

Borbonius Anthias

Bimaculatus Anthias - Male

Borbonius (Blotchy) Anthias

Luzon Anthias - Female

Bartlett's Anthias - Male

Bartlett's Anthias - Female

Stocky Anthias - Male

Dispar Anthias - Male

Squareback Anthias - Male

Tricolor Anthias - Male

Squareback Anthias - Male - Fiji

Lyretail Anthias - Female - Africa

Purple Queen Anthias - Female

Luzon Anthias - Male

Lyretail Anthias - Male - Africa

Pacific Creole Anthias