Description
A fish with many color variations, Sunset Anthias is also known as a Shortsnout, Diadem. One of the more common color variations is predominantly yellow highlighted with red on the anal and caudal fins. In the wild, Shortsnouts are often found in schools, swimming at depths of 200 feet and so do well in an aquarium with similar tank mates.
Sunset Anthias generally stay in the middle levels of the tank, but also require plenty of caves, ledges, and other hiding places. A 75 gallon tank will suffice for one fish, if keeping a group of one male and several females, a 125 gallon tank or larger tank is needed.
Anthias species all share the trait of being hermaphroditic. If a dominant male perishes, the largest female of the group will often morph to take its place.
Once acclimated to a new aquarium, Anthias do best when fed a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched frozen brine shrimp, and over time may eat high-quality flake foods offered in small quantities throughout the day. An attached refugium cultivating copepods and amphipods provides a steady supply of nutritious live food sure to keep this active planktivore content.
