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Basics

Scientific Name: Pseudanthias evansi

Family: Serranidae

Origin: Indian Ocean, Maldives, Africa, Sri Lanka

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Difficult
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Lifespan: 3-5, possibly longer
• Reef Compatible: Yes
• Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Maximum Size: 4-5"
• Diet: Carnivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons for one, 125 for community

Overview

The Yellowback Anthias gets its name from the distinct yellow along its back. There is an orange line with almost pixelated looking dots that runs underneath the yellow of its back, and its body is primarily a violet color that varies in intensity. Another orange line runs from its eye to its pectoral fin. It is also commonly called Evansi Anthias in a direct reference to its species name.

It should be kept in a tank with plenty of swimming space and hiding places within live rock. It can be kept with other peaceful community fish and also in a group with other members of it's species. It is completely reef safe. This fish is considered difficult because of it's rigorous dietary needs. It won't always readily accept frozen or other prepared foods and even if it does it must be supplemented with live copepods and amphipods since it is a plankton eater. It needs to be fed multiple times a day and investing in an automatic feeder would likely be necessary. 

Like all anthias, Yellowback Anthias are hermaphrodites. They all hatch as females and then the most dominant female within a group becomes the male, and if the male dies, he is replaced.