Description

Also known as Anthias, Basslet, Long-finned Basslet, Long-finned Perchlet, Sea Perch, Silverspot.

Found singly and secretive in crevices, around bommies, and amongst small boulders, over sandy slopes of coastal reefs, rich in algae and invertebrate growth.
They feed on crustaceans and small fish.
Length - 3.5cm
Depth - 6-75m
Widespread Indo-West Pacific

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/7322