Evansi Anthias

Care at a glance

Overview

House a single evansi in at least 285 litres, or a male with five or more females in 470 litres or more, at 24 to 27 C with good flow. It is reef safe and coral-friendly but demands stable water and frequent feeding of copepods, mysis and enriched brine several times daily. Provide open swimming water and plenty of rock for retreat. Best for experienced keepers who can maintain steady conditions.

In the wild

The evansi anthias is a violet-bodied anthias with a bright yellow back and tail, from Indian Ocean reef slopes. It shoals in open water and feeds on drifting plankton. It is peaceful but sensitive to water quality and diet. Groups sort themselves into a single male with several females.

Good to know

Pseudanthias evansi grows to around 12 cm, with most aquarium fish nearer 8 to 10 cm. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite, so the dominant female becomes male when needed. The species is centered on the Maldives and East Africa.

Did you know

In a group every fish starts as a female, and if the lone male dies the top female changes sex to replace him.

Related species

• 

  Purple Queen Anthias

  Pseudanthias tuka

  4.7 in (12 cm)75 gal (285 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)

• 

  Dispar Anthias

  Pseudanthias dispar

  3.7 in (9.5 cm)70 gal (265 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

• 

  Bartlett's Anthias

  Pseudanthias bartlettorum

  3.5 in (9 cm)70 gal (265 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)
• Randall's Anthias

  Pseudanthias randalli

  3.1 in (8 cm)75 gal (285 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)

• 

  Huchtii Anthias

  Pseudanthias huchtii

  4.7 in (12 cm)90 gal (340 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)

• 

  Bicolor Anthias

  Pseudanthias bicolor

  5.1 in (13 cm)125 gal (475 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)