Threadfin Anthias

The Carberryi Anthias (Nemanthias carberryi) also known as the Threadfin Anthias is a very striking fish that originates from the reefs of the Maldives. Carberryi Anthias are very colorful with vibrant purple coloration on the head and abdomen area with a cheerful yellow coloration that beautifully paints the anterior portion of the fish. Carberryi Anthias are very active marine fish that naturally help draw out shier fish that share the aquarium with them. Carberryi Anthias tend to occupy the midwater region of a tank but appreciates the availability of several hiding places.

Carberryi Anthias do best when kept in groups or shoals in a species-specific tank of at least 70-gallons. If setting up an anthias shoal, the composition of the group should consist principally of juvenile and female individuals. You should add only one male to the aquarium, unless the aquarium is large enough to accommodate more. Even in a very large marine aquarium setup, the ratio should be highly skewed toward juveniles and/or female anthias (a good rule of thumb would be one male to every four to six females/juveniles). Interestingly, anthias species all share the trait of being hermaphroditic. If a dominant male perishes, the largest female of the group will often morph to take its place.

Once acclimated to a new aquarium, Anthias do best when fed a varied diet of enriched frozen mysis shrimp, enriched frozen brine shrimp, and over time may eat high-quality flake foods offered in small quantities throughout the day. An attached refugium cultivating copepods and amphipods provides a steady supply of nutritious live food sure to keep this active planktivore content.