Tricolor Anthias (female)

Pseudanthias kashiwae

The Tricolor Anthias is one of the Anthias groups that is moderately easy to keep. The Tricolor Anthias is also referred to as the Red Fairy Basslet, Silver Streak, or Kashiwae Anthias. A well developed lateral red bar and a red caudal fin differentiate the male from a female which only has red tips on the caudal fin and a pinkish-orange body color. This is one of the few Anthias that can be kept with other varieties, e.g.; the Lyretail, Squarespot, and Purple Queen. Use caution when introducing the Tricolor to a tank. If there is aggressive or deadly behavior, the fish should be separated. It is best kept in a 100 liter (25 gallon) tank as a single specimen, or in a minimum of 285 liter (70 gallon) tank for a group. The Tricolor needs a large amount of room in which to swim. Anthias species all share the trait of being hermaphroditic. The Tricolor Anthias does best on a diet of zooplankton and benefits from the presence of a gorgonian coral in the tank.