{"product_id":"pacific-creole-anthias-paranthias-colonus","title":"Pacific Creole Anthias","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Pacific Creole Anthias (\u003cem\u003eCephalopholis colonus\u003c\/em\u003e, formerly \u003cem\u003eParanthias colonus\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the Pacific Creolefish, is a large, active saltwater fish with a dramatically different appearance between juvenile and adult stages. Juveniles are typically bright yellow with a series of dark spots along the upper body, while adults develop reddish to reddish-gray coloration with greenish-brown tones, red fins, and distinctive pale blue, violet, or whitish spots across the back and caudal peduncle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the tropical eastern Pacific, this species ranges from the Gulf of California south to Peru and occurs around offshore islands including the Galápagos, Cocos, Clipperton, Malpelo, and Revillagigedo Islands. Pacific Creolefish naturally form midwater aggregations around rocky and coral reefs, where they swim above the structure and feed on plankton carried through the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaching approximately 14 inches as an adult, this is a substantial marine aquarium fish that requires considerably more swimming room than typical anthias. Its active schooling behavior and unusual coloration make it an impressive choice for very large reef or fish-only aquariums, but its adult size and predatory potential around very small animals should be considered carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 250 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore \/ Planktivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Pacific – Gulf of California to Peru, including Galápagos, Cocos, Clipperton, Malpelo, and Revillagigedo Islands\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCephalopholis colonus\u003c\/em\u003e (formerly \u003cem\u003eParanthias colonus\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a very large, mature marine aquarium with extensive open swimming space. Pacific Creole Anthias are powerful midwater swimmers that naturally spend much of their time above reef structure rather than remaining close to caves or the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRockwork should provide sturdy caves, ledges, and protected retreats while leaving substantial unobstructed areas for swimming. A long aquarium footprint is especially beneficial for accommodating their adult size and continuous movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong, well-distributed water movement is appropriate and helps recreate the current-rich reef environments where these fish naturally feed. Strong oxygenation and efficient filtration are important, particularly because large specimens require frequent feeding and can contribute a significant bioload.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA securely fitted aquarium lid is recommended, especially during acclimation or when multiple active fishes are maintained together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pacific Creole Anthias is a carnivorous planktivore that naturally feeds on zooplankton and other small animal prey suspended above the reef.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied diet including enriched mysis shrimp, krill, enriched brine shrimp, chopped shrimp, squid, clam, plankton-based frozen blends, and quality marine pellets. Smaller specimens should receive appropriately sized foods that remain suspended in the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed two to three times daily, with multiple moderate meals preferable to a single large feeding. A varied, protein-rich diet helps maintain good body condition and coloration as the fish develops into its substantially larger adult form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePacific Creole Anthias are social fish that naturally occur in groups, but their large adult size and energetic swimming behavior require considerable aquarium space. They are generally compatible with similarly sized peaceful to moderately assertive marine fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates can include larger tangs, rabbitfish, angelfish, robust wrasses, and other active community species that are not small enough to be considered prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery small, timid fish may be intimidated or potentially eaten by mature individuals. When keeping more than one Pacific Creolefish, provide substantially more space than the minimum aquarium size along with abundant swimming room and multiple retreat areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pacific Creole Anthias is best considered reef safe with caution. It does not normally graze on or deliberately damage corals, making it compatible with stony and soft coral displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts large adult size and carnivorous feeding behavior create some risk to very small ornamental shrimp, tiny crustaceans, and exceptionally small fishes. Larger established reef invertebrates are generally at lower risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this reason, it is most appropriate for large reef aquariums where tankmates and ornamental invertebrates are selected with its eventual adult size in mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain stable, well-oxygenated water with strong filtration and consistent nutrient management. Large, active specimens fed several times daily can place considerable demands on aquarium filtration. Stability is more important than targeting one exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarge adult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can reach approximately 14 inches and requires a very large aquarium with extensive swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDramatic color change:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright yellow juveniles develop substantially different reddish and greenish adult coloration as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActive midwater swimmer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires generous open water rather than a densely packed aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequent feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Benefits from multiple meals of nutritious planktonic and meaty marine foods throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePredatory potential:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very small fish and ornamental crustaceans may be at risk from mature individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52470447636778,"sku":"ANTHIASxCreolS","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52470447669546,"sku":"ANTHIASxCreolSM","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52470447702314,"sku":"ANTHIASxCreolM","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52470447735082,"sku":"ANTHIASxCreolML","price":134.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":52470447767850,"sku":"ANTHIASxCreolL","price":158.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52470447800618,"sku":"ANTHIASxCreolX","price":188.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/CreoleAnthias_b9dc7d1b-b823-4057-9c8b-65708051ba1f.png?v=1788536550","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/pacific-creole-anthias-paranthias-colonus","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}