Pictilis Anthias Pair

The Pictilis Anthias, also known as the Painted Goldie, is a dazzling and active fish that brings a splash of the deep reef's vibrant colors to a marine aquarium. This species is native to the Western Pacific and thrives in an environment that mimics its natural, open-water habitat on steep outer reef slopes.

Sold as a Male and Female Pair, this arrangement is ideal for promoting their natural social structure (a harem with one male and several females) and reducing the potential for aggression that can occur when introducing a single fish or unestablished groups.

• Male: Features a brilliant pinkish-purple to magenta body that transitions to bright orange-red near the tail, often with a pale or bluish oval spot on the rear portion of the body or tail base. Males are typically more vibrant and larger than females.
• Female: Displays a softer pink or pinkish-orange body with a predominantly yellow tail and a pale underbelly.

This planktivore is reef-safe and a wonderful choice for the intermediate to advanced hobbyist looking to add an exquisite, schooling fish to a large, well-established reef or fish-only system.

Care Information

Aquarium Requirements

• Tank Setup: A minimum of 125 gallons is recommended for a pair or small group to allow ample swimming space. These fish are active, mid-level swimmers and require length over height.
• Aquascaping: Provide plenty of live rock to create caves, cracks, and crevices for security and hiding spots. This mimics their natural deep-water habitat and helps them feel safe, especially during acclimation and nighttime.
• Lid/Cover: A tight-fitting lid is essential, as Anthias are known to jump when startled or stressed.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72° - 78°F (22° - 26°C)
• Salinity/Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
• pH: 8.1 - 8.4
• Alkalinity (dKH): 8 - 12
• Water Quality: Maintain excellent water quality with stable parameters, as Anthias can be sensitive. A high-quality filtration system and protein skimmer are highly recommended.

Feeding & Diet

• High Metabolism: Pictilis Anthias have a high metabolism and require frequent, small feedings. Feed at least 2-3 times per day.
• Diet: As planktivores, their diet should be varied and rich in meaty, enriched foods.
• Recommended Foods: Frozen Mysis shrimp, enriched Brine shrimp, finely chopped marine fish and invertebrate flesh, and high-quality marine pellets or flakes.
• Encouragement: Dispense food into the water current to mimic their natural feeding on zooplankton. A refugium can help provide a steady supply of live copepods, which is beneficial.

Social Behavior & Acclimation

• Group Dynamics: Anthias are hermaphrodites. All are born female, and the most dominant female in a group will change sex to become the male. Keeping them as a male/female pair or a small harem (one male with several females) is the best practice. Never keep more than one male in the same tank unless it is a very large aquarium with enough space and hiding spots to establish separate territories.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful with other fish, but can be shy upon introduction. Introduce them as the last fish to the aquarium.
• Tank Mates: Best kept with other peaceful fish. Avoid very aggressive or large predatory tank mates that may harass or view the Anthias as prey.