More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 264 litres / 69.74 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 10.7cm / 4.21inches |
| Reef Compatible | Yes |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Care Description | Difficult |
| Specific Gravity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.0-8.4 |
General Description
The Red Saddled Anthias, scientifically known as Pseudanthias flavoguttatus, is a highly sought-after fish in the reef hobbyist community due to its vibrant pink and yellow coloration. This species is active, displaying a great personality and showing little interest in corals, sessile invertebrates, or other fish species.
Aquarium Suitability
In aquariums, the Red Saddled Anthias can prove to be a challenging species to maintain due to difficulties in acclimation, especially to quarantine systems. They prefer low to moderate lighting initially but can adapt to stronger lighting over time. Acquiring this fish for your aquarium can be rare due to limited harvest, isolated distribution, and their preference for extreme depths.
Care and Hardiness
The Red Saddled Anthias should be introduced into the aquarium first to reduce stress from more active or territorial fish species. They tend to thrive when kept in small shoals and are known to be hermaphroditic, with females being able to transform into males if necessary.
Reef Suitability
This species is considered reef-compatible, showing little interest in corals and other invertebrates in the tank. Therefore, it can be a peaceful addition to a reef environment.
Aquarium Setup
To recreate the natural habitat for the Red Saddled Anthias, aquascape with plenty of live rock to create caves and hideaways. A dramatic display can be achieved with a steep reef profile and diffused lighting, offering shelter and enough open space for swimming.
Behaviour
Once acclimated, these fish are peaceful and can coexist well with other calm species in the aquarium. They do best in an environment that mimics their natural habitat, providing them with ample hiding spots.
Feeding and Diet
The Red Saddled Anthias are carnivores and should be fed a varied diet that includes frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality flake foods in small quantities throughout the day. A refugium cultivating copepods and amphipods can also provide a nutritious live food source.
Habitat and Distribution
In the wild, the Red Saddled Anthias are found in waters up to 98 feet deep. They prefer areas with low to moderate lighting conditions initially and are known to be abundant in isolated locales, contributing to their rarity in the aquarium trade.