Anthias Randall Male (Pseudanthias Randalli)

Also Known As: Randall's Anthias, Randall's Fairy Anthias

Compatibility and Behavior
The male Randall's Anthias is a real standout in the midwater column, showing a brilliant blend of orange, peach, and rose tones along the body with a soft lavender wash and a luminous yellow streak running from the snout back through the dorsal area. Males tend to develop more elongated dorsal and tail fin rays and show sharper contrast between the warm body color and the cooler purple highlights, which makes them a natural centerpiece in the right tank. Personality-wise, this is a generally peaceful species that does best alongside other non-aggressive tankmates that occupy different zones of the tank. It's considered reef safe and typically leaves corals and most invertebrates alone, though it may act defensively if crowded by boisterous fish or forced to fight for food at meal times. Settled into a calm, stable community, a male Randall's will often show frequent display behavior, flashing fins and color as it interacts with the females and other midwater swimmers around it.

Aquarium Requirements
A mature reef of at least 70 to 90 gallons works well, with bigger volumes preferred whenever possible. Aim for plenty of open swimming room paired with complex rockwork that provides security. Tall, branching structures, caves, and shaded overhangs let the group retreat when startled while still leaving open water column space for hovering and schooling. These anthias appreciate moderate, somewhat turbulent flow along with high water quality, so strong filtration and good gas exchange are both worth investing in. Like other anthias, they have fast metabolisms and do best with multiple small feedings throughout the day of finely chopped meaty foods, frozen zooplankton, and quality micro-pellets that stay suspended long enough to be picked off in the open water. 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. Gentle lighting transitions and a peaceful stocking plan round out the picture and help the male hold his best color and natural social behavior over time.

Specifications
Approximate Size: 1.5-2.5"
Diet: Planktivore (frequent small feedings of frozen zooplankton, mysis, enriched brine, and micro-pellets)
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Care Level: Moderate to Difficult (best for experienced aquarists due to feeding frequency and stability needs)
Reef Safe: Yes (compatible with most corals and invertebrates)
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 70–90 gallons
Special Considerations: Requires multiple small daily feedings; sensitive to aggressive tankmates and abrupt lighting changes