Sunburst Anthias

Overview

The Sunburst Anthias, also known as the Hawk Anthias, is a distinctive, deep-bodied anthias with an orange-red base colour, yellow highlights around the eyes, and fine blue-purple markings across the face. Unlike many other anthias, it doesn't need to be kept in a large shoal to thrive, adapting well as a single individual or in a small group.

It tends to be a bit more sedentary and less constantly active than typical open-water anthias, often hovering near a favoured cave or ledge rather than swimming continuously in open water.

Its calmer disposition and relative hardiness compared to some other anthias make it a good option for keepers wanting anthias colour without needing to commit to a large, actively swimming shoal.

Compatibility

Sunburst Anthias are peaceful and reef safe, ignoring corals and invertebrates entirely. Unlike many anthias, they do fine kept singly, though a small group can also work well in a larger tank.

They mix well with other peaceful community fish and are rarely bullied given their tendency to stay close to sheltering structure.

Health & quarantine

This species tends to be a bit hardier and less prone to the rapid decline seen in some more delicate anthias, though a mature, stable tank and consistent feeding schedule remain important. A minimum two-to-four-week quarantine with careful feeding monitoring is recommended, and new arrivals should be watched closely to confirm they're eating well.