Swallowtail Anthias (Anthias anthias)

Fish in the family Serranidae. Expert care. Reef Safe with Caution.

Quick facts

Scientific nameAnthias anthias

FamilySerranidae

Also known asAntias, Kirnjica, Boccaglio, Focadella, Imperador, Monacella, Pixxiroza, Guarracino, Kerr I Kuq, Tres Colas, Berber Baligi, Barbier Commun, Vlaggenbaarsje, Marine Goldfish, Somera Vermella, Castagnola Rossa, Castagnole Rouge, Matulic Barjaktat, Barbier Hirondelle, Swallowtail Seaperch, Forcadella De Tres Cues, Mittelmeer-Fahnenbarsch, Perches, Groupers And Allies

Care levelExpert

Reef safetyReef Safe with Caution

TemperamentPeaceful

Dietcarnivore

Adult size10 in

Minimum tank size125 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 70-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.023-1.025

Feeding schedule2-3 times daily

Appearance

A deepwater serranid with an elongated, streamlined body and deeply forked caudal fin (tail) that resembles a swallow's tail. Coloration ranges from reddish-pink to bright red, often with subtle yellow or orange markings. The dorsal and anal fins are extended and may have filamentous rays, particularly in males.

Diet and feeding

Feed frozen-thawed zooplankton, mysid shrimp, and small meaty preparations. Multiple small feedings 2–3 times daily mimic natural feeding behavior of this planktivorous deepwater species.

Difficulty and care for the Swallowtail Anthias

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Common health issues

Marine ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disease, Bacterial Infections, Fungal Infections

Origin and habitat

Eastern Atlantic, primarily from the Canary Islands and Mediterranean Sea south to Angola. A deep-water species found at depths of 50–300 meters off the coasts of Europe and West Africa.

Log Swallowtail Anthias in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Swallowtail Anthias alongside everything else in your reef.

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