Princess Anthias - Pseudanthias smithvanizi

Princess Anthias (Pseudanthias smithvanizi)

The Princess Anthias is a colourful and elegant marine anthias recognised for its bright body colouration, contrasting markings and graceful open-water swimming behaviour. Active and social, it is best suited to mature reef aquariums with excellent water quality, good oxygenation and regular small feedings throughout the day. Its peaceful nature and reef-safe behaviour make it a particularly attractive choice for established marine communities.

Common Name:
Princess Anthias

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pseudanthias smithvanizi

Maximum Size:
Approximately 8–10 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Princess Anthias is associated with tropical reef environments where it inhabits coral-rich reef slopes and areas with good water movement.

It typically spends much of its time swimming above reef structure and feeding on small planktonic organisms carried through the water column.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

The Princess Anthias is generally peaceful towards unrelated marine fish but may establish a social hierarchy when kept with other anthias.

Adequate aquarium space and suitable group structure are important when maintaining multiple individuals.

Diet:
Carnivore / Planktivore

The Princess Anthias naturally feeds on zooplankton and other small organisms suspended in the water column.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine foods and quality small marine pellets.

Several small meals throughout the day are strongly recommended due to its naturally active feeding behaviour and metabolism.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 250 litres

A larger aquarium is preferable where a group will be maintained.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Princess Anthias is an active midwater swimmer that spends much of its time above rockwork and coral structure.

It benefits from plenty of open swimming room together with caves, overhangs and sheltered areas where it can retreat when disturbed.

When maintained in groups, individuals may establish a clear social hierarchy.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

The Princess Anthias is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.

Its natural planktivorous feeding behaviour makes it particularly suitable for mixed reef aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry, strong filtration and excellent oxygenation.

Regular small feedings throughout the day are important, particularly for newly introduced specimens.

Avoid aggressive tankmates that may intimidate the fish or prevent it from feeding successfully.

Provide plenty of open swimming room alongside secure rockwork and shaded retreat areas.

A tightly fitted aquarium lid is recommended, as anthias may jump when startled.

If keeping a group, monitor social behaviour carefully to ensure subordinate individuals are not persistently harassed.

Suitable for:
Intermediate to Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.