Threadfin Anthias, also known as, Red Cheek Fairy Basslet or Pacific Basslet belongs to the Anthiinae subfamily, which is part of the larger Serranidae family that includes groupers and sea basses.
This fish is found in the Western Central Pacific Ocean. Sometimes, it’s sold for aquariums.
Threadfin anthias usually live alone or in small groups around coral formations on clear outer reef slopes.
Male threadfin anthias are territorial and live with a group of females (called harem). This fish is safe for reef tanks.
Threadfin Anthias Interesting Facts
- Threadfin anthias, scientifically known as Pseudanthias huchtii, are part of the Anthiinae subfamily and live in the Western Central Pacific Ocean.
- These fish typically grow up to 12 cm long and prefer marine environments near reefs at depths of 5 to 30 meters with water temperatures of 22°C to 28°C.
- Male threadfin anthias are territorial, often living with a group of females (harem) around coral formations on clear outer reef slopes.
- Males display vibrant colors, including blue-grey bodies with yellow hues, red bands near their eyes, and colorful fins. Females have dull yellow or greenish-yellow bodies with bright yellow edges on their tail fins.
Threadfin Anthias Habitat
Threadfin anthias is found in the Western Central Pacific Ocean, from the Moluccas and Philippines to Vanuatu, and south to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
It’s also found in Palau, Micronesia.
This fish prefers marine environments near reefs, typically at depths of 5 to 30 meters (3 to 30 meters in some cases).
The preferred water temperature of this fish ranges from 22°C to 28°C.
The geographical range of its habitat lies between latitudes 19°N to 24°S and longitudes 114°E to 178°W.
| Water Temperature: | 71.6°F to 82.4°F (22°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Threadfin Anthias Physical Characteristics
Size: 2.4 inches (6.0 centimeters) for females and 4.7 inches (12.0 centimeters) for males
Male threadfin anthias can grow up to 12 cm (4.7 inches) long, while females reach about 6 cm (2.4 inches).
This fish has 10 dorsal spines, 17 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 7 anal soft rays.
Males are blue-grey with a yellow hue and have a red band near their eyes.
Their fins are also colorful: yellow median fins and red at the front of their pelvic fins.
Females are dull yellow or greenish-yellow with bright yellow edges on their tail fin. The body depth of this fish is about 2 to 3 times its length (SL).
Males don’t have a fleshy bump on their upper lip. Instead, they have an extended third dorsal spine, and the tips of their tail fin are long and thin.
Their pelvic fins don’t reach their anal fin.
Threadfin Anthias Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Serranidae |
| Genus: | Pseudanthias |
| Scientific Name: | Pseudanthias huchtii |
| Also Known As: | Threadfin Anthias, Red Cheek Fairy Basslet, Pacific Basslet |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |