Description
The Evansi Anthias, scientifically known as Pseudanthias evansi, is a vibrant and colorful marine fish belonging to the Anthiinae subfamily within the Serranidae family. It is found in the tropical waters of the Western Pacific Ocean, particularly around Indonesia and the Philippines.
Here are some key characteristics and features of the Evansi Anthias:
Appearance: The Evansi Anthias displays striking coloration, with males exhibiting more vivid hues than females. Males typically have a vibrant orange-to-red body with contrasting pink or purple markings, especially on the dorsal fin. Females tend to be more subdued in colour, often displaying shades of pink or orange. Both males and females have elongated bodies with forked tails and possess a prominent dorsal fin.
Size: These fish are relatively small, with males reaching lengths of around 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 centimeters) and females slightly smaller.
Behaviour: Evansi Anthias are social fish that form loose aggregations in the wild. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially towards similar-looking species. Aquariums may exhibit hierarchical behaviour, with dominant males establishing territories.
Diet: Evansi Anthias primarily feed on zooplankton and small crustaceans in their natural habitat. In captivity, they should be offered a varied diet that includes high-quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, copepods, and small crustaceans. They may also accept quality prepared foods formulated for marine carnivores.
Habitat: Evansi Anthias are typically found in clear, tropical reef environments with ample hiding spots and coral formations. They inhabit areas with moderate to strong water flow and prefer depths ranging from 20 to 100 feet (6 to 30 meters).
Aquarium Care: To keep Evansi Anthias in captivity, a well-established reef aquarium with plenty of live rock and hiding places is recommended. They thrive in aquariums with stable water parameters, including temperature, pH, and salinity. Adequate water flow and regular water changes are essential for optimal water quality.
Compatibility: Evansi Anthias are generally compatible with a wide range of reef-safe fish species but may display aggression towards conspecifics or similarly coloured fish, especially if kept in small aquariums. Keeping them in groups with a single male and several females is best to reduce aggression.
Overall, Evans Anthias are prized by marine aquarium enthusiasts for their stunning coloration and graceful swimming behaviour, making them a popular choice for reef aquariums with appropriate tank mates and conditions. However, they require diligent care and attention to water quality to thrive in captivity.
- Care level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Carnivore
- Reef Compatible: Yes
- Family: Serranidae
- Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
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Size:
Medium 1" - 2"
Large 2" - 2.5"