Sunburst Anthias (Serranocirrhitus Latus)

Species Name : Serranocirrhitus Latus

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Orange, Red, Yellow, Blue

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 5"

Origin : Indonesia, New Caledonia, Philippines

Family : Serranidae

Minimum Tank Size : 70 gallons

Sunburst Anthias (Serranocirrhitus Latus), also known as Sailfish, Swallowtail Basslet, Coral Perch, Fathead Anthias, or Hawk Anthias, is a species of ray-finned marine fish, anthias, from the subfamily Anthiinae, a member of the Serranidae family.

Serranocirrhitus Latus is a colorful fish, predominantly pink, with heavy yellow-to-orange scale margins and facial markings. Pectoral and anal fins are fringed in blue.The maximum total length attained is 5  inches.

They are hardy and very peaceful, perfect for a reef tank setting with plenty of live rock. A 70 gallon or larger aquarium with hiding places should be provided. The Sunburst Anthias prefers to live at the bottom of the tank, so the deeper the better, but still maintain plenty of surface area for proper water oxygenation. Stressed anthias have been known to jump from an aquarium.

Suitable tankmates for anthias would be peaceful fish that will not harass these docile fish or outcompete them for food. It is best housed with peaceful tankmates such as gobies. Anthias are Reef Safe and are not normally known to bother corals or invertebrates. This species does fine when housed singly, but you may keep a pair or trio in a larger aquarium. Keep only one male per tank. Like other anthias, this species begins life as female. Larger specimens are usually male, so don’t try to house to large specimens together.

Serranocirrhitus Latus, is hermaphroditic meaning all are born females, and when needed the dominant female turns into male. Though they are one of the few Anthias species that does not display sexual dimorphism.

Once acclimated to a new aquarium, Sunburst Anthias do best when fed a varied diet of 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. They benefit from several small feedings throughout the day rather than one large feeding.

Size: Small: 1-1/4" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4"