Pseudanthias kashiwae

Datasheet

General Description

The Red Fairy Anthias (Pseudanthias kashiwae) is a captivating fish belonging to the Serranidae family, boasting a pinkish-orange body coloration with distinguished red markings. Males flaunt a well-developed lateral red bar and a red caudal fin, while females display red tips on their caudal fins. Also known as the Tricolor Anthias, Red Fairy Basslet, Silver Streak, or Kashiwae Anthias, this species is commonly found in the Red Sea, Maldives, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Aquarium Suitability

Moderately easy to care for, the Red Fairy Anthias can coexist with other Anthias varieties like the Lyretail, Squarespot, and Purple Queen. However, caution is advised when introducing them to the tank, as aggressive tankmates may pose a threat. Ideally, a 125-gallon tank is recommended to house a group of Red Fairy Anthias, offering ample space for their active swimming habits.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

With a peaceful temperament, the Red Fairy Anthias prefers stable water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (dKH) between 8-12. This species thrives when provided with a varied diet consisting of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality flake foods in small quantities throughout the day. Creating an attached refugium to culture copepods and amphipods ensures a continuous supply of nutritious live food for these planktivores.

Reef Suitability

Reef enthusiasts will delight in the compatibility of the Red Fairy Anthias with reef environments. Their presence adds vibrant colors and peaceful dynamics to a reef tank, making them a sought-after addition for reef keepers.

Aquarium Setup

For an optimal aquarium setup for Red Fairy Anthias, it is essential to provide ample swimming space, live rock structures for hiding and perching, and a well-maintained refugium to sustain their dietary needs. Ensuring a proper acclimation process and monitoring tank dynamics will promote the well-being of these beautiful fish.

Behaviour

The Red Fairy Anthias exhibit peaceful behavior within their group and towards compatible tankmates. Their social nature makes them thrive in a harmonious aquarium environment where they can freely swim and explore.

Feeding and Diet

Being carnivorous, the Red Fairy Anthias requires a diet rich in protein. Providing a mix of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality flake foods will meet their nutritional needs. Cultivating copepods and amphipods in a refugium supplements their diet with essential live foods.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, the Red Fairy Anthias can be found in the Red Sea, Maldives, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their habitat includes coral reefs and clear waters, where they seek shelter among crevices and caves while actively foraging for food in the water column.