Description

Also known as Anthias, Basslet, Lyretail Sea Perch, Sea Perch.

Found in harems, amongst coral, gravel and rocks, also in submarine caves, over upper slopes and the continental shelf.
They feed nocturnally on crustaceans and small fish.
Length - 27cm
Depth - 15-300m
Widespread Eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean

Anthias are often found in large schools often in there hundreds or thousands feeding high above the reef on zooplankton.
They start their life off as females and when there is an opening for a male will change to head up their harem of females.
Males are much more colourful and often have filamentous streamers which they use for their mating dance and to deter other males. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/1692