Anthias Flavo EXPERT (Pseudanthias Flavoguttatus)

Also Known As: Flavoguttatus Anthias, Red Saddled Anthias

Compatibility and Behavior
The Flavo Anthias (Pyronotanthias/Pseudanthias flavoguttatus) is a rare, midwater planktivore with one of the more distinctive patterns in the anthias world. The body runs from pink to purplish, with a yellowish head and a row of red saddle-like bars along the back separated by lighter bands. Many specimens are also speckled with fine yellow spots along the flanks, and a crisp white stripe often runs along the spine, pulling the whole "red saddle and yellow spot" look together in a way that really glows under reef lighting. The streamlined body and lunate tail make them active, graceful swimmers, hovering and darting through the mid to upper water column and keeping flashes of color moving across the tank throughout the day. They're generally considered reef safe, sticking to zooplankton in the water column rather than picking at corals or clams.
Like other anthias, they're social and naturally form harems with a dominant male and several females, and they tend to show their best color and display behavior when kept in that arrangement. They're usually peaceful toward other reef-safe fish, but can be mildly territorial with their own kind in rare cases. The best tankmates are peaceful to moderately assertive species that won't outcompete them at feeding time or hassle them constantly.

Aquarium Requirements
A mature reef of at least 70 to 90 gallons works for a small harem, with larger volumes preferred for bigger groups. Aquascape with open swimming lanes alongside rock structures, ledges, and mild overhangs where the group can shelter and rest between feeding bursts. Strong, well-oxygenated flow helps replicate their natural reef-slope environment and supports their high oxygen demand, while stable, high-quality filtration is what allows the frequent, small feedings these active planktivores need. Because they come from deeper or more exposed reef zones, they often do best under moderate lighting with some shaded areas in the scape. Plan on offering a varied diet of fine, meaty foods several times per day. One thing worth knowing: in many cases, Anthias only eat food out of the water column, and once it has fallen to the tank floor they are no longer interested. That makes flow patterns and feeding technique just as important as the food itself.

Specifications
Approximate Size: 1.75-3"
Diet: Carnivore/zooplanktivore (finely chopped seafood, mysis, enriched brine, high-quality micro-pellets offered several times daily)
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Care Level: Expert (best for aquarists comfortable with frequent feeding and active anthias species)
Reef Safe: Yes (generally safe with corals and clams)
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 70–90 gallons for a small harem
Special Considerations: Hermaphroditic; all start as female and a dominant individual may transition into a male if no male is present; requires multiple small daily feedings and moderate lighting with some shaded areas