Pictilis Anthias

(pseudanthias pictilis)
Saltwater

A popular and rare fish from the western Pacific Ocean, deep Australian waters, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. A gorgeous red fish with a purple band across the body after the last pectoral fin, a blue mouth with the blue running past the pectorals and a white oval spot on the caudal fin. Some call this a Painted Anthias. It's a demanding fish and should be in a small group of 1 male to 2 or 3 females.

Size: 2" to 4"
No. in Tank: Best kept in a trio of 1 male to 2 females or by itself.
Tank: min. 125 gallon
Food: (Carnivore) Zoo-plankton, algae and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp. Feed several times a day with a varied diet to ensure good coloration.
Light: None.
Adaptation: Acclimation is a slow process. They need caves in which to hide, room to swim and well-oxygenated and moving water. To mimic their natural environment, and help them act as in the wild, add a lot of cliff and overhang decor.
Compatibility: Good in established reef systems. Do not get along with other anthias species. Putting them together may cause fighting, injuries and even death. Needs to avoid intense reef lighting (they are a deep dwelling fish).