Pseudanthias huchtii

Datasheet

General Description
The Red-cheeked fairy basslet, also known as Pseudanthias huchtii, belongs to the Serranidae family. This species is native to the Western Central Pacific, ranging from the Moluccas and the Philippines to Vanuatu, with a southern limit reaching the Great Barrier Reef and Palau in Micronesia.

Aquarium Suitability
Considered suitable for aquariums with care, the Red-cheeked fairy basslet can be a vibrant addition to a reef tank. However, caution should be exercised when housing them with similar species or insufficient space, as they can exhibit aggression.

Demands
Known for their hardiness, these fairy basslets are hermaphroditic, with females capable of changing gender to fulfill the male role. They thrive best in environments with good hiding spots like live rocks and demand a varied diet that includes small crustaceans and zooplankton.

Care and Hardiness
With a hardy nature, these basslets require frequent feeding, especially during the initial acclimatization period. They prefer environments with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025.

Reef Suitability
The Red-cheeked fairy basslet is known to be reef safe, making them compatible inhabitants for reef aquariums. Their peaceful nature adds a colorful and lively element to reef ecosystems without posing a threat to coral or other reef creatures.

Aquarium Setup
Creating an ideal setup for the Red-cheeked fairy basslet involves providing ample hiding places between live rocks. A tank size of at least 400 liters is recommended to accommodate their territorial behavior, especially when considering housing multiple individuals.

Behaviour
These fairy basslets may exhibit aggression towards competitors at feeding times, so it's crucial to monitor their interactions, especially when cohabitating with other fish. They are known to form social hierarchies within groups, emphasizing the importance of providing adequate space for each individual.

Feeding and Diet
Feeding on small crustaceans like krill and zooplankton such as mysis and artemia, the Red-cheeked fairy basslet thrives on a varied diet that should be offered several times a day to ensure their nutritional requirements are met.

Dimorphism
In addition to being hermaphroditic, these basslets showcase no significant dimorphic characteristics between males and females in terms of physical appearance. In captivity, successful reproduction has been observed, providing insight into their reproductive behavior and requirements.

Habitat and Distribution
Naturally found in the waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Central/West Pacific, the Red-cheeked fairy basslet inhabits coral-rich environments, reefs, and lagoons. Emphasizing their preference for reef habitats, these basslets thrive in environments that replicate their natural surroundings.