Blotched Anthias

Overview

The Blotched Anthias is a deepwater anthias species with a striking pink-and-red body marked by irregular pale blotching, quite different in appearance from the more commonly seen shallow-reef anthias species. Because it's collected from significantly deeper water than typical anthias, it faces greater decompression-related stress during collection and shipping, making sourcing and initial acclimation particularly important.

It shares the general planktivorous feeding habits of the anthias group but tends to be a little more reclusive and slower to settle than shallow-water species, often taking longer to feel secure and start feeding confidently in a new tank.

Given its deepwater origin, it does best in a stable, mature tank with subdued lighting and plenty of structure to retreat to, rather than a brightly lit, heavily trafficked display.

Compatibility

Blotched Anthias are peaceful and reef safe, ignoring corals and invertebrates entirely. They can be kept singly or, where budget and sourcing allow, in a small group, though this species is less consistently available as a confirmed group than more common anthias.

Avoid pairing with boisterous or fast-feeding tankmates that could outcompete this more retiring species for food.

Health & quarantine

This species carries elevated risk due to its deepwater collection origin, and buyers should specifically ask suppliers about decompression handling and the fish's feeding status before purchase. A minimum four-week quarantine with careful feeding monitoring is strongly recommended, and new arrivals should be watched closely in the first week to confirm they are eating.