Stocky Anthias - Female - Fiji

Pseudanthias hypselosoma Stocky Anthias are brilliantly colored reef fish that bring vibrant pink, orange, and yellow hues to any aquarium. Best kept in groups, they thrive in a harem structure with one male and several females. Like other anthias, they are protogynous hermaphrodites, with the dominant female capable of transforming into a male if needed. Within the harem, males display bold coloration and actively interact with females, creating a lively and dynamic display. Native to the Indo-Pacific—from the Maldives to Samoa, and from the Ryukyu Islands to the Great Barrier Reef—Stocky Anthias are typically found around isolated coral heads and rubble patches at moderate reef depths. To replicate their natural environment, provide ample rockwork with caves, crevices, and overhangs for shelter, along with open mid-water space for swimming. A secure lid is essential, as they are prone to jumping when startled. Males are unmistakable, with a pink to orange front half of the body, a bright red “saddle” across the midsection, and yellow-orange toward the tail, accented with lilac edges on the dorsal and caudal fins. Females are similarly patterned but display softer coloration, with paler pinks and reds and red-tipped fins. Juveniles are lighter and more muted versions of these colors. Stocky Anthias are peaceful and reef-safe, though males may show territorial behavior within the harem. With a high metabolism, they require a varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and finely chopped seafoods. To maintain health and brilliant coloration, they should be fed multiple times per day. Reaching up to 7 inches, Stocky Anthias need a minimum aquarium size of 125 gallons, with larger systems preferred when housing a group.