| Care Level | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Planktivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 2 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
This product is currently out of stock. Enter your email to our newsletter below and we'll notify you the moment it becomes available.
By submitting you agree to be added to the Reefs4Less newsletter and notified when this item is back in stock.
You're on the list!
Get texts on our best deals
US numbers only — enter 10 digits, no country code needed.
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 2.25" or smaller - Female - Indo-Pacific |
|
Email me |
Every order ships with our standard 3-hour live arrival guarantee. Need more time? Add our 5-Day Guarantee at checkout.
Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
The Ventralis Anthias (Compsanthias ventralis), also called the longfin anthias, is a deepwater anthias known for its long fins and contrasting purple-and-yellow coloration. In aquariums it is most often seen hovering near ledges and swim-throughs, then moving out into the water column to grab passing planktonic foods.
What You’ll Observe:
- Spending a lot of time under overhangs, then making short, confident foraging loops into open water
- A quick “snap and swallow“ feeding style, especially once it learns your feeding routine
- In small groups, gradual social shifts over months as one fish becomes more dominant and develops male coloration
- Most activity focused in the mid-to-lower rockwork zones rather than constant laps around the tank
To succeed with this deepwater anthias, provide shaded rockwork with caves/overhangs so it can choose sheltered perches throughout the day. Offer small, meaty plankton-style foods multiple times daily so it can feed in short sessions without rushing.
Is it normal for a Ventralis Anthias to stay under ledges most of the day?
Yes’keepers commonly report them “living“ around caves and overhangs, then darting out to feed before returning to cover.
How long does the male color change (transition) usually take in a small group?
Many hobbyists describe it as a months-long process, with gradual changes rather than an overnight switch.
Will they learn to eat pellets, or do they stay frozen-only?
Some long-term keepers report getting them onto pellets/flake over time, especially once the fish is settled and recognizes the tank’s feeding rhythm.
Do they do better added alone first, or as a small group at the same time?
A common approach discussed by keepers is adding a small group together so social structure forms inside the aquarium rather than being “reset“ one fish at a time.
What kind of lighting behavior do hobbyists notice with this species?
They’re often discussed as preferring shaded areas and indirect light, with many keepers planning aquascape “shadow zones“ for them to settle in.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.

Debelius Fairy Wrasse - 2 - 3" - Female - Indo-Pacific