Hutchii Anthias
Hutchii Anthias, Pseudanthias huchtii, swims in Western Pacific waters from the Philippines down through the Great Barrier Reef. Also known as the Red-Cheeked Fairy Basslet, its coloration it a green-yellow with a notable orange-red strip running from the eye to past the gill plate. Anthias are hermaphroditic, so females and any non-dominant males will display more subdued colors. The fish of this family are also commonly called Fairy Basslets in some parts of the country. Their gorgeous flowing fins no doubt inspired the Fairy reference and the Basslet portion of the name recognizes that they are the little cousins of Sea Basses and Groupers. Because of their small size, they do not pose a threat to other fish and make wonderful reef inhabitants. A typical meal for an Anthias is comprised of zooplankton and small animals such as Brine Shrimp and copepods. In the wild, Anthias form large schooling groups on the reefs. A single male will claim part of the reef as his and fight off other males that try to invade. The other Anthias present are juveniles and females, which the male keeps a watchful eye on. For aquariums, introduction should be simultaneous or the females should be introduced first and a male at a later date.
Approximate Arrival Size for Hutchii Anthias: 1.5 to 3 in.
Detailed Information about this animal.
