Resplendent Anthias

The Resplendent Anthias (Pseudanthias pulcherrimus) is a small reef anthias that spends much of the day in the open water column, adding constant motion above your rockwork. It’s often kept as a single specimen or as part of an anthias-style harem in larger reef tanks where it can settle into a steady daily routine.

What You’ll Observe:

• Frequent midwater “hovering” and short dashes, especially when food hits the water
• A quick, alert feeding response that looks like controlled schooling behavior
• Regular use of rockwork as a nearby “home base” between swims
• More visible activity during daytime photoperiods, with consistent laps around the tank

To do well long-term, provide open swimming space plus rockwork with plenty of small shelter zones. Offer small plankton-style foods in multiple small portions through the day; many keepers use an auto-feeder to maintain a steady schedule. A calm community of reef-safe tankmates helps this fish stay out and active.

Will one Resplendent Anthias look “lost” without a group?
In many home reefs, a single fish still stays visible and cruises midwater once it learns the tank’s routine. Groups are usually chosen for a more pronounced “harem” look in larger systems.

Do Resplendent Anthias usually accept pellets?
Many anthias learn pellets over time, especially when very small pellets are offered consistently. Mixing pellets with frozen foods during regular feedings often helps the transition.

What’s a practical feeding schedule if I’m not home all day?
A common approach is one or two frozen feedings when you’re home, plus small dry-food feedings from an auto-feeder during the day. The goal is steady, small portions rather than large meals.

Do they spend time picking at the rocks, or only in open water?
Keepers often notice anthias cruise the water column most, but they’ll also pause near rockwork and investigate surfaces between feeding bursts. This “home base” behavior is normal.

Should I plan for a lid with this fish?
Many reef keepers choose a snug screen lid for active, open-water swimmers. A tight-fitting top helps keep daily activity consistent and reduces surprises around lighting changes.

We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.