Why is my Sunburst Anthias constantly hiding?

This is completely normal behaviour, especially for a newly introduced fish. In the wild, they live in deep, dark caves. Bright reef lighting or aggressive tank mates can make them fearful. Give them time, plenty of rockwork, and perhaps dim the lights to help them feel secure.

Can I keep a group of Sunburst Anthias together?

Unlike other anthias species that thrive in shoals, Sunburst Anthias are quite solitary and territorial towards their own kind. It is best to keep only one per tank unless you have a very large aquarium or are able to source an established, bonded male-female pair.

How often do I need to feed my Sunburst Anthias?

They should be fed at least two to three times a day. As planktivores, they continuously pick at small food particles in the water column throughout the day. Infrequent feeding will quickly lead to weight loss and declining health.

Is the Sunburst Anthias reef safe?

Yes, absolutely. They are completely reef safe and will not bother your corals, shrimp, snails, or other ornamental invertebrates. Their diet consists purely of tiny zooplankton.

Why does my anthias swim upside down?

Sunburst Anthias often orient their bellies towards the nearest hard surface rather than the sea floor. When hovering under an overhang or in a cave, this natural instinct results in them swimming upside down or sideways.

MarineMarineIntermediate

Sunburst Anthias

Serranocirrhitus latus

The Sunburst Anthias is a vividly coloured, deepwater species known for its unique deep-bodied shape and habit of swimming upside down under reef overhangs.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 26 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 8 – 13 cm
150L minimum: 150 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Diet: carnivore
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Live rock with numerous caves, overhangs, and shaded areas.

About the Sunburst Anthias

Also known as the Fathead Anthias due to its notably large head and unusually deep, laterally compressed body, the Sunburst Anthias is one of the most distinctive members of the Serranidae family. Sporting a mesmerising combination of pink, magenta, orange, and golden-yellow scales, it is highly sought after by marine aquarists. Unlike the more boisterous schooling anthias, this species is solitary by nature and prefers to inhabit shaded caves rather than open water.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Sunburst Anthias against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Sunburst Anthias comes from

Native range

Western Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Indo-Pacific

Countries / regions

Indonesia, Japan, Australia, Fiji, Vanuatu

Habitat

Deep drop-offs, caves, and sheltered reef overhangs.

Typically found at depths ranging from 15 to 70 metres.

Similar species

Lyretail Anthias
Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Bicolor Anthias
Pseudanthias bicolor
Longnose Hawkfish
Oxycirrhites typus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Firefish Goby
Nemateleotris magnifica
Peaceful, small, and occupies a different zone without outcompeting the anthias for food.
Great
Flasher Wrasses
Paracheilinus spp.
Vibrant and peaceful; their dither-fish behaviour can encourage a shy anthias out of hiding.
Great
Lyretail Anthias
Pseudanthias squamipinnis
More active and aggressive anthias species may easily outcompete the slower Sunburst Anthias at feeding time.
Compatible with caution
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Large, active, and boisterous swimming patterns may force the shy anthias into constant hiding.
Compatible with caution
Lionfish
Pterois spp.
Will view the relatively small and sedentary Sunburst Anthias as an easy meal.
Not recommended

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