Yellowlined Anthias

About

The Yellowlined Anthias (Pseudanthias luzonensis) is a reef fish from the Western Pacific, ranging from Japan south through Australia and east to Vanuatu. In the wild it gravitates toward deeper coastal reef slopes, where it forms small loose aggregations. A behavior that translates well to the aquarium when kept in appropriate groups. Like most anthias, it displays the classic sexual dimorphism of the genus, and males tend to be more vividly patterned than females. The yellow striping that gives this species its common name runs along the body in a way that sets it apart from the more commonly seen anthias in the hobby. This is an intermediate-level fish, partly because anthias as a group have a reputation for being demanding feeders. They do best when offered multiple small meals throughout the day, which can be tricky for keepers without auto-feeders or a flexible schedule. A 70-gallon minimum is a reasonable starting point, though a larger system with good flow and plenty of open water will suit a small group far better. If you can meet its feeding needs and give it room to move, this is a genuinely rewarding species to keep.