Red Stripe Anthias: The Deepwater Fairy Basslet

The Red Stripe Anthias (Pseudanthias fasciatus), also known as the One-Stripe Anthias or Redstripe Basslet, is a strikingly beautiful and uncommon fish in the aquarium trade, largely due to its preference for deeper waters. This species exhibits a bright yellow to orange body color, highlighted by a prominent deep red horizontal stripe that runs from behind the head to the tail. Males may display a more pronounced stripe and elongated, filamentous fin rays, while females have a more subdued coloration.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Stripe Anthias is found in or near caves and ledges of seaward reefs, typically at depths of 65 to 500 feet (20-150m). Because of its deep-water origins, this fish is often shy and thrives best in an aquarium with dimmer lighting and plenty of rockwork providing caves, overhangs, and hiding spots. It can reach a maximum size of up to 8 inches (21 cm), requiring a minimum tank size of 125 gallons.

The Red Stripe Anthias is a planktivore that lives in harems (one male, multiple females) in the wild. Like all Pseudanthias species, it is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning all individuals are born female, with the dominant female capable of changing into a male if the current male is lost.

Diet & Compatibility:

Diet: This fish is a specialized Carnivore / Zooplanktivore. It possesses a very fast metabolism and requires a constant supply of food. In the wild, it feeds continuously on zooplankton in the water column. In the aquarium, it must be fed multiple small feedings (3-5 times) per day. The diet should be rich in high-quality, meaty frozen foods, such as enriched Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and rotifers. A refugium that actively produces copepods is highly beneficial to ensure constant natural grazing opportunities.
Feeding Challenges: Because of their deep-water origin, some specimens can be difficult to acclimate to prepared foods initially. Live, enriched adult brine shrimp or copepods may be necessary to initiate feeding.
Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe. This Anthias is strictly a planktivore and will not bother corals or ornamental invertebrates. It makes an excellent addition to any well-established reef aquarium.
Temperament: It is Peaceful toward other fish, but can be semi-aggressive toward similar-sized or shaped fish, especially other Anthias species. Unlike many other Anthias, the Red Stripe Anthias may prefer to be kept singly or in a small, established harem (one male and several females) in a very large tank. Introducing them as a group is challenging.
Special Considerations: This species is known to be a jumper and requires a tight-fitting lid. It is considered delicate and best suited for intermediate to advanced aquarists who can meet its high-frequency feeding schedule and provide a specialized deepwater/dimly lit habitat.

Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Pseudanthias fasciatus
Primary Common Name: Red Stripe Anthias
Other Common Names: One-Stripe Anthias, Redstripe Basslet, Striped Anthias
Origin: Indo-Pacific (Deepwater)
Max Size: 8 inches (21 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful / Social (Can be aggressive toward conspecifics)
Diet: Carnivore / Zooplanktivore (Requires multiple daily feedings)
Minimum Tank Size: 125+ Gallons
Reef Compatibility: Yes (Will not harm corals or invertebrates)
Care Level: Moderate / Difficult (Due to feeding frequency and depth of collection)