{"product_id":"anthias-ventralis-expert","title":"Anthias Ventralis EXPERT (Pseudanthias Ventralis)","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso Known As:\u003c\/strong\u003e Longfin Anthias, Ventral Anthias\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility and Behavior\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003ePlan 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. \u003cem\u003eOne thing worth knowing:\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e .75-1.5\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Planktivore (frequent small feedings of frozen zooplankton, mysis, copepods, and micro-pellets)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Central and South Pacific deep reefs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert (best reserved for very experienced reef aquarists due to sensitivity and feeding demands)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70–90 gallons recommended for a small group in a deep-reef style setup\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Considerations: \u003c\/strong\u003eRequires frequent small feedings in the water column; sensitive to harsh lighting and aggressive tankmates; recommended only for experienced reef keepers\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"REEFBEAUTIES","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46416363323621,"sku":"2419","price":310.78,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/3005\/0300\/files\/Ventralis_Anthias_Blk_bckgrnd.png?v=1779906841","url":"https:\/\/reefbeauties.com\/products\/anthias-ventralis-expert","provider":"Reef Beauties","version":"1.0","type":"link"}