Also Known As: Yellowback Anthias, Yellowtail Anthias

Compatibility and Behavior
The Evansi Anthias (Pseudanthias evansi) is one of the most elegant Anthias in the hobby. A lavender to violet-purple body is topped by a broad band of golden yellow running along the back and dorsal fin, continuing into a deeply forked yellow tail with long, trailing lobes, while a faint yellow stripe traces from the snout through the eye and fine yellow spotting scatters across the flanks. Unlike many Anthias, males and females are fairly similar in color, which makes a group look strikingly uniform. We unfortunately cannot guarantee sexing for this species.
These are open-water planktivores that hover and dart in the upper water column, picking zooplankton from the current, and they're completely reef safe, making a superb choice for a peaceful mixed reef. They're gentle and easily intimidated, though, so they need calm tankmates. Boisterous fish like large wrasses, aggressive tangs, and dottybacks will bully them into hiding. Like all Anthias they're hermaphroditic, and if the dominant male is lost the largest female transitions to replace him. Adding them last, after the community has settled, gives them the best start, and the single best buying tip is to choose specimens you've watched eating confidently.

Aquarium Requirements
A well-established tank of 70 to 75 gallons suits a single fish or small trio, while a harem of five or more calls for 90 to 125 gallons. Give them an open swimming lane through the middle and upper water column, backed by rockwork with caves and shaded crevices to retreat into, plus strong, turbulent flow that mirrors their outer-reef home and keeps oxygen high. Feeding is what determines success.
One thing worth knowing: in many cases Anthias only eat food drifting in the water column and lose interest once it settles, so their fast metabolism means three to five small feedings daily, dispensed upstream so the current carries food past them. A refugium producing copepods and amphipods is the best investment for long-term health, and a tight-fitting lid is essential, as Anthias are well-documented jumpers.

Specifications
Approximate Size: 2.5–3"
Diet: Planktivore; frozen mysis, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, copepods, rotifers, calanus, and fish eggs, plus finely chopped seafood and quality micro pellets once settled, fed 3–5 small meals daily
Origin: Indian Ocean
Care Level: Expert
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Peaceful
Special Considerations: A fast-metabolism planktivore that thrives on 3–5 small daily feedings and often eats only from the water column, so it does best in a mature, refugium-supported system with peaceful tankmates. Provide a tight-fitting lid, as it's a known jumper.