Red Cheek Anthias

The Red Cheek Anthias is a charming and moderately hardy species recognized by the distinctive red to orange patch on each cheek that gives it its common name. Males are particularly colorful, displaying a greenish-yellow body with vibrant red cheek markings and purple-tinged fins. Females are more uniformly orange-pink with a subtler version of the cheek patch. Found along outer reef slopes in the Western Pacific, this species forms large schools that create impressive displays as they hover above the reef.

In the aquarium, the Red Cheek Anthias is one of the more adaptable anthias species, making it a good choice for aquarists with some experience who are looking to try their hand with this group. A minimum tank size of 70 gallons is recommended to accommodate a small group. As with all anthias, keeping them in a harem of one male with several females produces the most harmonious social dynamic and best showcases their natural schooling behavior.

Water quality must be consistently excellent, with strong water flow to simulate the current-rich environments these fish inhabit in the wild. Multiple feedings per day are non-negotiable for long-term success. Frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and quality marine pellets form an ideal diet. The Red Cheek Anthias is reef-safe and adds wonderful color and activity to the mid-water column of any reef aquarium.