Also Known As: Red Cheek Anthias, Pacific Basslet

Compatibility and Behavior
The Huchtii Anthias (Pseudanthias huchtii) is one of the more distinctively marked Anthias in the hobby. What we have in stock are males, which show a blue-gray body carrying a strong yellowish-green hue, yellow median fins, and a bold orange-red stripe running from the rear edge of the eye all the way to the base of the pectoral fin, plus a dramatically elongated third dorsal spine and a lunate tail with filamentous tips. Unfortunately for this species, females are not as commonly stocked or available. These are shallow-water planktivores that hover and dart in the upper water column picking zooplankton from the current, and they're completely reef safe, ignoring corals, clams, and inverts. They are, however, among the more assertive Anthias, so this is a semi-aggressive fish that holds its own with moderately assertive tankmates but may squabble with lookalikes or with fish competing for food. Tangs, wrasses, clownfish, blennies, and gobies make good companions, while aggressive dottybacks and large bullying angels are best avoided. 

Aquarium Requirements
A well-established tank of 70 to 90 gallons is ideal, while a group of six or more calls for 125 gallons or greater, with horizontal swimming room the deciding factor. Build around a broad open swimming lane through the middle and upper water column, backed by rockwork with caves and overhangs to retreat into, and provide strong, well-distributed flow that mirrors the reef crests they come from and keeps oxygen high. It does well in a bright, shallow-water style reef. Feeding is the main determinant of 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 at least three and ideally four to five small feedings daily, dispensed upstream so the current carries food past them. An attached refugium cultivating copepods and amphipods makes a real difference, and a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a documented jumper.

Specifications
Approximate Size: 2–3.5"
Diet: Carnivore and planktivore; frozen mysis, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, copepods, cyclops, and finely chopped shrimp, clam, squid, and fish flesh, with quality flake or micro pellets accepted once settled, fed 3–5 small meals daily
Origin: Western Central Pacific
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
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.