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November 23, 2009
Marine Fish
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Fathead Anthias
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Fathead Anthias
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

The Fathead, known commercially as the Fathead Sunburst Anthias, is a colorful fish, predominantly pink, with heavy yellow-to-orange scale margins and facial markings. Pectoral and anal fins are fringed in blue.

The Fathead prefers to live at the bottom of the tank, so the deeper the better, but still maintain plenty of surface area for proper water oxygenation. An environment of low-to-medium light with lots of hiding places is ideal. It is best housed with peaceful tank mates such as gobies. If keeping more than one Fathead, it is ideal to have a mated pair. A male often exhibits territorial behavior when housed with other males.

Anthias species all share the trait of being hermaphroditic. If a dominant male perishes, the largest female of the group will often morph to take its place.

The diet in the wild primarily consists of zooplankton and floating filamentous algae. In the aquarium, it should be fed mysid shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, frozen preparations, and other meaty items for zooplankton feeders. The Fathead Anthias should be fed 2-4 times daily.

Fish Facts
Name: Fathead Anthias (Serranocirrhitus latus)
Family: Serranidae
Range: Indonesia
Size: Up to 4 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Tank Set-up: Marine: Coral or rock, plants
Reef Compatible: Yes
Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Minimum Tank Capacity: 130 gallon
Light: Medium
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming Level: Bottom
Care Level: Moderate
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Picture(s): Courtesy of Drs. Foster and Smith |
Information provided courtesy of PetEducation.com

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