Sunburst Anthias (Serranocirrhitus latus)

Sunburst Anthias (Serranocirrhitus latus)

Discover the Stunning Sunburst Anthias

The Sunburst Anthias, also known as the Fathead Anthias, is a dazzling and peaceful species that adds a pop of color and elegance to any saltwater aquarium. With its striking coloration and graceful swimming, the Sunburst Anthias is an ideal choice for reef tanks and community setups. Known for its hardy nature and vibrant appearance, this beautiful anthias species is sure to become a favorite among aquarists.

Appearance: The Sunburst Anthias stands out with its captivating orange and pinkish hues, giving it a radiant, sunburst-like appearance. Its body is primarily bright orange, often with subtle shades of pink or yellow, and its fins are typically marked with a soft lavender or purple sheen. Unlike other anthias species, the Sunburst Anthias has a more stocky, rounded shape, which gives it the nickname "Fathead Anthias." Its beautiful colors and distinct body shape make it a visually stunning addition to any aquarium.

Behavior: The Sunburst Anthias is known for its calm and peaceful demeanor. Unlike other anthias species that prefer to school, the Sunburst Anthias is often more solitary or prefers to stay in smaller groups. They tend to hover near rockwork or caves, darting out to feed and then returning to their secure areas. Their peaceful nature makes them an excellent choice for community tanks, and they are relatively non-aggressive towards other tankmates.

Diet: Sunburst Anthias are carnivores and thrive on a varied diet rich in meaty foods. They do well on a mix of high-quality frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. They may also accept high-quality flake food and pellets, but a varied diet is important to maintain their vibrant coloration and health. Regular feedings, ideally several times a day, are recommended to keep them in optimal condition.

Tank Requirements: Sunburst Anthias require a minimum tank size of 70 gallons with plenty of live rock and hiding places. These fish prefer low to moderate water flow and will spend much of their time hovering near rock formations. They are somewhat shy and will appreciate an environment with plenty of cover, such as caves and crevices, where they can retreat when feeling threatened. Keeping the water quality stable with regular maintenance is crucial for their health.

Tankmates: Sunburst Anthias are peaceful and can coexist with a variety of other non-aggressive marine species. Suitable tankmates include clownfish, gobies, wrasses, and tangs. Their gentle nature means they should not be housed with overly aggressive fish that may intimidate or outcompete them for food. Keeping them in smaller groups or even singly is common, as they are less social than other anthias species.

Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Sunburst Anthias are reef-safe and do not harm corals or invertebrates, making them an excellent addition to reef aquariums. Their vibrant colors and calm swimming patterns add a sense of tranquility and beauty to reef environments. They are unlikely to disturb corals or sessile invertebrates, making them perfect for mixed tanks.

Max Size: Sunburst Anthias can grow up to 5 inches (13 cm) in length. While they are not as large as some other marine species, they still require a spacious and well-structured environment to thrive.

Origin: The Sunburst Anthias is native to the Western Pacific Ocean, particularly around reefs in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Fiji. They are often found in deep reef slopes, where they hover near caves and rockwork.

Interesting Facts:

• Unlike many other anthias species, the Sunburst Anthias is less social and does not typically school in large groups.

• Their vibrant orange coloration and calm demeanor make them a popular choice for reef tanks.

• The Sunburst Anthias prefers dimly lit areas and rockwork where it can find shelter, making it a great addition to tanks with complex aquascaping.

Disclaimer: Aquarium Arts cannot guarantee compatibility with your current fish or the fish you buy and cannot be held liable for fish lost due to aggression.