On the reef, this anthias is a planktivore that spends its day picking zooplankton from the passing current. That feeding pattern translates directly into aquarium practice: offer small, plankton-sized meaty foods including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, Cyclops, copepods and amphipods. Delivering food into the flow rather than dropping it on the surface encourages the fish to feed the way it does in the wild. Once settled, individuals commonly broaden their acceptance to finely chopped marine flesh, a range of frozen preparations and eventually quality flake.
Newly imported specimens frequently refuse frozen and prepared items, and fortified live adult brine shrimp, Artemia or Cyclops are often needed to trigger the first feeding response. Feed small portions at least twice daily, and more often than that when possible, since a fish with the metabolism of a continuous plankton grazer does poorly on one or two large meals. Recent arrivals in particular require especially frequent offerings during the acclimation period. Before purchase, it is worth confirming that a specimen is already eating small foods reliably.
Choose tankmates carefully. Boisterous or fast-feeding species will intimidate this anthias and outcompete it at mealtimes, which is the most common route to a slow decline. Calm, similarly mannered fish are the right company. Reef compatibility is excellent: the species does not browse corals and presents no particular threat to shrimp, crabs, snails, clams or small peaceful fish, making it a safe choice for mixed reef displays. Routine observation of individual behavior is always sensible, but no special precautions are needed.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Evansi Anthias
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Is the Evansi Anthias appropriate for a first saltwater tank?
No. It is considered a difficult, delicate species because newly imported fish often refuse prepared foods, require very frequent feeding and remain sensitive through transport and acclimation. -
How large should the aquarium be for a group?
A single fish needs at least 75 gallons, while a group is better served by 125 gallons or more. Whatever the volume, prioritize open swimming space in the upper water column. -
What should the fish already be eating at the time of purchase?
Confirm that it actively takes small plankton-sized foods such as mysis, enriched brine shrimp or Cyclops. Reluctant new arrivals may need live Artemia, fortified adult brine shrimp or copepods to begin feeding.




