Anthias Ventralis EXPERT (Pseudanthias Ventralis)

Also Known As: Longfin Anthias, Ventral Anthias

Compatibility and Behavior
The deep water Ventralis Anthias is one of the true unicorns of the anthias world. Pastel-bodied and impossibly delicate-looking, it's famous for the long, trailing ventral fins that float beneath it like ribbons when it hovers. Males typically show intense shades of pink, lavender, and orange with a yellow dorsal region and exaggerated fin extensions, while females are smaller and display softer peach to violet tones, creating an ethereal, almost otherworldly look when they're schooling together. This is a peaceful species that does best housed in calm, non-aggressive communities where they can occupy the midwater column without being elbowed out by boisterous tankmates. They're considered reef safe and typically ignore corals and clams, which makes them an excellent choice for showpiece SPS and LPS systems, provided their somewhat demanding care needs are met. Because they come from deeper, dimmer reefs, Ventralis can be shy by nature and may hide more or act defensively if exposed to harsh lighting or pushed around by larger, more active fish.

Aquarium Requirements
Plan on a mature, ultra-stable reef aquarium with pristine water quality, plenty of rockwork, and shaded areas that mimic the deep-reef environment this species comes from. A tank of at least 70 to 90 gallons works for a small group, with tall structures, caves, and overhangs that let the fish hover in lower-light zones while still venturing into the open water when comfortable. Gentle to moderate, diffuse flow paired with subdued or gradually ramped lighting (blue-heavy spectrums and dimmer zones work well) helps reduce stress and brings out the natural schooling behavior. Ventralis have a fast metabolism and a well-earned reputation for being finicky, so multiple small daily feedings of fine, meaty foods that stay suspended in the water column are essential. Offer frozen mysis shrimp, copepods, quality micro-plankton blends, and tiny pellets designed for planktivores to support both long-term health and that signature vivid coloration. 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, and it's especially true for this species.

Specifications
Approximate Size: .75-1.5"
Diet: Planktivore (frequent small feedings of frozen zooplankton, mysis, copepods, and micro-pellets)
Origin: Central and South Pacific deep reefs
Care Level: Expert (best reserved for very experienced reef aquarists due to sensitivity and feeding demands)
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 70–90 gallons recommended for a small group in a deep-reef style setup
Special Considerations: Requires frequent small feedings in the water column; sensitive to harsh lighting and aggressive tankmates; recommended only for experienced reef keepers