Split Fin Anthias

Split Fin Anthias

Scientific Name: Luzonichthys whitleyi

Also Known As: Whitley's Splitfin / Whitley's Slender Anthias

Origin: Indo-Pacific

Maximum Size: Around 6 cm

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Safe: Yes

Care Level: Moderate

Description

The Split Fin Anthias is a tiny, slender schooling anthias with beautiful pink to lavender colouration contrasted by a bright yellow upper body and head.

Unlike the larger and more familiar Pseudanthias, this species belongs to the genus Luzonichthys. Adults remain extremely small, reaching only around 6 cm, but naturally gather in large groups above reef slopes where they feed from the water column.

In the wild they occur around outer reef slopes, offshore pinnacles and atolls, often forming dense feeding aggregations. Their small size and schooling behaviour make them particularly impressive when kept as a group rather than as a single specimen. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Feeding

Split Fin Anthias are planktivores and naturally feed on zooplankton suspended in the water column.

Offer frequent small meals of appropriately sized foods such as enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped mysis and other small frozen foods. Once established they may also accept fine marine pellets and flakes.

Newly introduced fish can initially be shy feeders, so several small feeds throughout the day are preferable to one or two large meals.

Compatibility

This is an exceptionally peaceful anthias and is completely reef safe with corals and ornamental invertebrates.

They are best kept with similarly peaceful fish. Large, aggressive or very boisterous tank mates can cause them to remain hidden and may prevent them from feeding confidently.

Split Fin Anthias naturally live in groups and are particularly well suited to being kept as a small shoal where aquarium size allows.

Why We Like It

The Split Fin is quite different from the typical anthias. It stays incredibly small, has a delicate pink and yellow colour pattern and looks fantastic when several are moving together through the water column.

For a peaceful reef where you want the movement of an anthias group without adding a much larger fish, these are a really interesting option.

Care Notes

• One of the smallest anthias species, reaching only around 6 cm.
• Best kept with peaceful tank mates.
• Ideally kept as a small group rather than individually.
• Feed several small meals of zooplankton-sized foods throughout the day.
• Completely reef safe with corals and ornamental invertebrates.
• Provide plenty of open swimming space alongside caves and sheltered rockwork.
• A secure lid is recommended as anthias can jump when startled.