Cooperi Anthias

Pseudanthias cooperi (Cooperi Anthias) Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful Color Form: Orange, Pink, Red, White Diet: Carnivore Reef Compatible: Yes Water Conditions: sg 1.020-1.025, 22-26°C, dKH 6-12, pH 7.8-8.4 Max. Size: 10 cm Family: Serranidae Minimum Tank Size: 250 litres Overview: The Cooperi Anthias, also known as Red-Bar Anthias, is a striking and colourful fish. Males exhibit a light pink body with a distinctive red bar across their midsection, while females are more orange with a silvery belly and red tail. Both sexes are adorned with light blue edging on their fins. Native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans—from East Africa to Samoa, Japan, and Australia—this species adds vibrant colour to any reef aquarium. In captivity, Cooperi Anthias prefer the middle levels of the tank but require plenty of caves, ledges, and hiding spots. They can reach up to 10 cm in length. While a 265-litre tank is sufficient for a single fish, a larger tank of 475 litres or more is recommended for a group consisting of one male and several females. Anthias species are hermaphroditic, meaning if the dominant male dies, the largest female in the group may transition to take his place. Once acclimated, Cooperi Anthias thrive on a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched frozen brine shrimp, and high-quality flake foods offered in small amounts throughout the day. For added nutrition, consider using a refugium to cultivate copepods and amphipods, providing a continuous supply of live food that supports their active planktivorous diet.