Yellow Spotted Anthias - Pseudanthias flavoguttatus

Yellow Spotted Anthias (Pseudanthias flavoguttatus)

The Yellow Spotted Anthias is a beautiful and relatively uncommon marine anthias recognised for its warm pink to reddish body colouration marked with bright yellow spotting and contrasting fin details. Active, social and constantly moving through the water column, it makes an impressive addition to established reef aquariums. Like many anthias, it benefits from frequent feeding, excellent water quality and a calm social environment, making it best suited to intermediate or experienced marine aquarists.

Common Name:
Yellow Spotted Anthias, Yellow-spotted Anthias

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pseudanthias flavoguttatus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 10 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Yellow Spotted Anthias occurs in the Western Pacific and is associated with coral-rich reef slopes, drop-offs and deeper reef environments.

It typically remains above reef structure where it can feed on plankton carried through the water column while staying close to caves, overhangs and coral formations for shelter.

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

Yellow Spotted Anthias are generally peaceful towards unrelated reef fish but develop a clear social hierarchy when maintained in groups.

Males may become territorial towards other males, while dominant individuals can chase subordinate fish if aquarium space or hiding places are limited.

Diet:
Carnivore / Planktivore

Offer a varied diet of small meaty marine foods including frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods and finely chopped krill.

Quality small marine pellets and flakes may also be accepted once established.

Several smaller feeds throughout the day are strongly recommended, as anthias naturally feed frequently from the water column.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 250 litres

Although relatively small, this is an active species that benefits from substantial open swimming room together with complex reef structure.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Yellow Spotted Anthias is an active daytime swimmer that spends much of its time above and around reef structure.

It is best provided with open water for swimming alongside caves, overhangs and sheltered areas where subordinate individuals can retreat.

When maintained in groups, a single male with several females is generally the most natural social arrangement.

A secure aquarium lid is recommended.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

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

Its natural feeding behaviour centres on small planktonic prey rather than coral tissue, making it well suited to mixed and coral-dominated reef aquariums.

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

Frequent feeding is one of the most important husbandry requirements for this species. Several smaller meals throughout the day are preferable to one large feeding.

Avoid highly aggressive or boisterous tankmates that may intimidate the anthias or prevent them from feeding comfortably.

If keeping a group, provide plenty of visual barriers and shelter to reduce social stress.

Newly introduced individuals should be observed closely to ensure they are feeding consistently and maintaining good body condition.

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.