Care
The Longfin Anthias is a deepwater fish known from caves and coral rubble along steep reef drop-offs or channel walls, and may be observed as far down as 120m (394ft). This secretive species congregates in sizeable shoals to feed on zooplankton, crustacean larvae, and fish eggs, with one male fish overseeing a large harem of females. This is a delicate species that is really only suitable for advanced aquarists with mature, dimly-lit, deepwater tanks. In the confines of the home aquarium, it is best to keep either a solitary specimen, or else a group comprising of a single male and at least 8 females. Unfortunately, smaller groups will result in squabbles, where the weakest fish is likely to be picked on and prevented from feeding, eventually succumbing to being bullied by the others. These large shoals should only be considered if the tank is of XXL proportions " if the tank is of average size, it really is best to house a single specimen only. Longfin Anthias are relatively peaceable and somewhat shy. They should not be housed with direct food competitors or with docile species such as firefish. Conversely, ensure that their tankmates are not overly large, belligerent species either, or the Longfin Anthias will feel intimidated. Longfin Anthias are usually perfectly safe in a mature deep reef set up, typically swimming out and about in the open water areas and ignoring sessile invertebrates. It is essential that illumination is kept subdued if these fish are going to acclimatise successfully though; the bright lighting of a typical shallow-water reef is cited as one of the key reasons for these fish not adjusting well to life in the home aquarium. Provide plenty of shady crevices and overhangs amongst the rockwork, ensuring all structures are stable. Likewise, the temperature of the tank water is also crucial: as these fish inhabit deepwater drop-offs where they are often exposed to an upwelling of colder currents, the aquarium water temperature should not be allowed to rise above 25 °C (77 deg F), so a means of chilling the water may be necessary during hot summer months. A varied diet is a must to keep the fish in good health and for them to display their vibrant colouration. Ideally they will be fed small amounts several times per day (see below). An attached refugium cultivating copepods and amphipods can also really help to provide a steady, ongoing supply of nutritious live food to keep this active planktivore content. Powerful filtration and protein skimming, plus a good maintenance regime are essential for maintaining optimal water quality despite the heavy nutrient input. As these fish inhabit areas of moderate to strong currents in the wild, they require fairly brisk water movement in the home aquarium - a high level of oxygenation at all times being of utmost importance. There are a considerable number of geographical variants of this species, and all are very eyecatching. The fish in the above picture are from the Coral Sea. Pseudanthias ventralis ventralis is replaced by the similar-looking P. hawaiiensis at the Hawaiian and Johnston Islands, and in time, further insular variants may also receive full taxonomic upgrade. May also be seen on sale as the Longfin Fairy Basslett or Ventralis Anthias.
Feeding
In the wild, this species is constantly on the lookout for food, taking zooplankton from the water column. Due to their fast metabolism, they require feeding in small amounts several times per day (i.e. at least 4 times) if they are to maintain good health. Offer a variety of fine meaty foodstuffs such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped krill/prawns etc. in addition to zooplankton preparations (containing copepods and rotifers) which are often available in either frozen or refrigerated forms. Many will also take dried foods in time.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
