Serranidae – Anthias Basslet

Anthias are found in tropical and temperate oceans. Some enter freshwater. Operculum bearing 3 spines – a main spine with one below and one above it. Lateral line is complete and continuous, not reaching onto caudal fin (lacking in one species). Dorsal fin may be notched, with 7-12 spines. Three spines on anal fin. Caudal fin is usually rounded, truncate, or lunate; rarely forked. Tip of maxilla exposed even with mouth closed.

Anthiinae are mostly small colourful planktivores feeding primarily on tiny crustaceans and fish eggs. They change sex from females to a few dominant males. Anthias can vivid red, pink, orange, or yellow, and the largest species reach 29 cm (11 in) in length.

At Tropic Marine we collect different species of Anthias.