Red Saddled Anthias

The Red Saddled Anthias is a visually striking species named for the distinctive red saddle-shaped marking on its dorsal region. Males are particularly impressive, displaying a pink to lavender body adorned with scattered yellow spots and a bold red saddle that extends from the dorsal fin down the upper back. Females are smaller and more uniformly pink-orange, though they share the yellow spotting pattern to a lesser degree. This species inhabits outer reef slopes and walls in the Western Pacific, where it forms large aggregations.

In the aquarium, the Red Saddled Anthias requires a spacious environment of at least 125 gallons due to its larger size relative to many other anthias species and its active swimming behavior. Strong water flow and excellent water quality are paramount for maintaining this species in peak condition. As a schooling fish, it should be kept in groups with one male and several females, which creates a stunning visual display in the aquarium.

Feeding is critical and must occur multiple times daily. Offer a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, cyclops, and high-quality marine pellets. An automatic feeder can be invaluable for maintaining the feeding frequency these fish require. The Red Saddled Anthias is completely reef-safe and brings exceptional color and movement to the middle water column of larger reef systems.