Redbar Anthias (Pseudanthias parvirostris) Care Guide
Pseudanthias parvirostris is a small, deep-water Indo-West Pacific anthias that forms harems on outer reef slopes.
Overview
Pseudanthias parvirostris (Randall & Lubbock, 1981) is a small marine fish of the anthias group, originally described as Anthias parvirostris. FishBase records a maximum standard length of 7.5 cm and lists the species under the genus Pyronotanthias. It is a reef-associated, deep-water species that is rarely seen because of its small size and depth.
Taxonomy
- Family: Serranidae (Anthiadidae in FishBase)
- Genus: Pseudanthias
- Scientific name: Pseudanthias parvirostris (Randall & Lubbock, 1981)
- Recombination: Pyronotanthias parvirostris (FishBase)
Habitat
According to FishBase and Wikipedia the species is distributed across the Indo-West Pacific, from Japan south to Australia, west to the Maldives and east to the Solomon Islands. It occurs on outer reef slopes at depths of 35 to 65 m, most commonly below 40 m, where it forms small aggregations close to sand or rubble substrates on patch reefs.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (about 106 gal) (KB record)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness range (record): 8-12 °dGH
- School size: at least 5 individuals (KB record)
- Lifespan: 4-10 years (KB record)
Diet
The KB record classifies this species as a carnivore. Like other anthias of its group it is a planktivore that feeds in the water column; frequent small feedings are recommended in aquaria, consistent with the high feeding frequency noted in the record.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, mid-water schooling species. Suitable companions include tangs, wrasses, clownfish and Genicanthus angelfish, while aggressive damselfish and triggerfish should be avoided.
Breeding
Wikipedia describes the species as a protogynous hermaphrodite living in harems with a dominant male guarding several females. When the dominant male is lost, the most dominant female changes sex, transitioning in colour over about two weeks.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 12 March 2015. FishBase lists the species as of no interest to fisheries.