Waitei Anthias

The Waitei Anthias, Luzonichthys waitei, is also known by another colorful and descriptive common name, the Magenta Slender Anthias. Members of genus Luzonichthys (Slender Anthias), including this uncommon beauty, make sporadic appearances in the aquarium trade and are therefore much desired by hobbyists.

The Waitei Anthias is a vibrant fish sporting varying shades of orange, purple and magenta that instantly animate marine aquariums with exciting color. Just as their name suggests, Slender Anthias have elongate bodies and are easily identified by a divided or split dorsal fin. However, distinguishing male from female Anthias within this genus pose a greater challenge since coloration do not differ between the genders. As a relatively shy Anthias species, the Waitei Anthias may require extra "TLC" when first introduced into the aquarium and is best kept in small groups of five or more individuals. The Waitei Anthias is well suited for any reef aquarium housing peaceful fishes. Do not house Waitei Anthias with aggressive or overactive fish especially larger, more active and aggressive Anthias species.

Members of the Anthias group all share the trait of being hermaphroditic. If a dominant male perishes, the largest female of the group can morph into a fully functioning male to take its place.

In its natural habitat, the Waitei Anthias occurs in large groups on steep outer-reef slopes at depths of 3 to 179 feet of water. To recreate habitat for the Waitei Anthias, aquascape liberally with live rock, creating numerous caves and other hiding places. Be sure to maintain open areas and plenty of surface area for proper water oxygenation. Provide strong water movement to recreate the current swept drop-off areas of the reef slopes Waitei Anthias tend to inhabit in the wild.

Once acclimated to a new aquarium, the Waitei Anthias do best when fed a varied diet of enriched frozen mysis shrimp, enriched frozen brine shrimp, and over time may eat high-quality flake foods offered in small quantities throughout the day. An attached refugium cultivating copepods and amphipods provides a steady supply of nutritious live food sure to keep this active planktivore content.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1/2" to 1-1/4"; Medium: 1-1/4" to 2"; Large: 2" to 2-3/4"