Pseudanthias rubrizonatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Red Belted Anthias, scientifically known as Pseudanthias rubrizonatus, is a stunning anthias species characterized by its vibrant coloration of warm pink, orange, and red hues. A distinct red belt runs vertically through its body, adding to its striking appearance. This species is known for its bold personality, which can bring liveliness to a reef aquarium setting.

Aquarium Suitability

The Red Belted Anthias is suitable for aquariums, but special care must be taken due to its semi-aggressive temperament. Keeping them singly or in small shoals with one male and multiple females is recommended to prevent aggression issues. A tank size of at least 472 litres is necessary to accommodate their needs.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Categorized as moderately demanding, the Red Belted Anthias requires stable water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a dKH of 8-12, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. Providing a varied carnivorous diet including frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality flake foods is essential for their health and well-being.

Reef Suitability

Reef enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the Red Belted Anthias is reef-compatible. They can coexist peacefully in a reef environment, adding both color and activity to the tank while not posing a threat to coral species.

Aquarium Setup

To mimic the natural habitat of the Red Belted Anthias, aquascape the aquarium with ample live rock to create a steep reef profile with caves and hiding spots. This setup should also include open areas for swimming and proper water oxygenation. Implementing a refugium to cultivate copepods and amphipods will ensure a natural and nutritious food source for these anthias.

Behaviour

The Red Belted Anthias, like other anthias species, displays hermaphroditic behavior. In the absence of a dominant male, the largest female can transition into a male, maintaining the group dynamics. Despite their captivating colors, these anthias can exhibit aggression towards conspecifics and other anthias, underscoring the importance of proper housing arrangements.

Feeding and Diet

Feeding Red Belted Anthias a varied diet is crucial for their overall health. Offering a mix of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality flake foods in small quantities throughout the day ensures they receive essential nutrients. Additionally, a refugium providing live food sources can help supplement their diet.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Red Belted Anthias are found in aggregations around isolated coral heads and rubble patches at depths ranging from 65 to 436 feet. Their distribution spans certain regions in the wild, where they thrive in the ocean depths, adding beauty to the marine ecosystems they inhabit.