Red Belted Anthias
Pseudanthias rubrizonatus
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Anthias
Family: Serranidae
Log in or create an account to add this species to your tanks.
Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Red Belted Anthias
General information
The Red Belted Anthias is a small species of fish, typically growing up to 3 inches in length. It has a slender body with a bright orange-red coloration on the front half of its body, and a pinkish-orange coloration on the back half. The male of this species has a bold red belt across its midsection, while the female lacks this distinctive feature.
This species is a popular choice for reef aquariums due to its vibrant coloration and active behavior.
Diet & nutrition
In the wild, the Red Belted Anthias feeds on small zooplankton, including copepods and amphipods. In captivity, they can be fed a varied diet of frozen or live foods, including brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and krill.
Determining sex
Male Red Belted Anthias have a distinctive red belt across their midsection, while females lack this feature.
Breeding & spawning
Red Belted Anthias are known to spawn in large groups during the summer months. Males will often display their vibrant colors and engage in courtship behavior to attract a female. Once a female is selected, the pair will swim upwards into the water column and release their gametes, which will fertilize in the open water.
Diseases
Red Belted Anthias are generally hardy and disease-resistant when kept in proper aquarium conditions. However, they may be susceptible to common fish diseases such as ich, velvet, and fin rot. Regular water changes and a clean, well-maintained aquarium can help prevent the occurrence of these diseases.
Origination
The Red Belted Anthias is found in the Western Pacific Ocean, including areas such as Indonesia and the Great Barrier Reef.
Cautions
The Red Belted Anthias is generally considered a peaceful species, but can become aggressive towards other anthias if kept in too small of a group or if competing for food.
Acclimation process
When introducing a Red Belted Anthias to a new aquarium, it is important to acclimate them slowly to prevent stress and potential illness. This can be done by floating the bag containing the fish in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes to allow the temperature to adjust, then gradually adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag over the course of an hour. Once acclimated, gently release the fish into the aquarium.
All photos
Tap a photo to open the gallery viewer.