Fathead Sunburst Anthias juv/female

Fathead Sunburst Anthias juv/female, Serranocirrhitus latus, also go by the name Hawkfish Anthias. As the name suggests, Fathead Sunburst Anthias have a broader body compared to other Anthias. Gold and yellow flecks decorate the anthias bright pink body, face and head. As a result, they are highly sought after and an incredibly attractive fish.

Fathead Sunburst Anthias juv/female, Serranocirrhitus latus, Ecology.

These fish range from: Japan, Australia, Moluccas and to Tonga, in the Pacific Ocean. They live on and around: coral reefs, steep slopes, channels, drop offs or caves. The complex structures help the fish dodge predators. When feeling threatened, they will quickly vanish and anchor themselves into nooks and crannies.

In nature, juv/female Fathead Sunburst Anthias feed passively, as do most types of Anthias. Which means they stay in relatively still positions, while facing the current. When Pelagic zooplankton drifts towards them in the water, the fish snatch their food up. With this method, the hunters easily get hold of small critters and eggs, while using up the smallest amount of energy possible. Feeding is fairly constant, although other behaviours punctuate this activity.

These are fish that live in social groups, with one male to around 5 or more females. Fathead Sunburst Anthias are also protogynous hermaphrodites. Which means when the top male dies, the largest female in the group will turn male. It will then become the new breeding male. As a result, all juvenile Fathead Sunburst Anthias, are in fact immature females.

Hawkfish Anthias In the Aquarium. 

It is important to have good currents and regular feeding in order to imitate the natural environment. A wave maker can help with this. Hobbyists should think about using a jump guard to stop any unfortunate mishaps.

Fathead Sunburst Anthias juv/female do best when fed a varied diet. They will accept frozen mysis shrimp and enriched frozen brine shrimp. They will also eat live foods, such as copepods and amphipods, that can be cultivated in attached refugium. Over time, these fish may have small amounts of high quality flake food as well. Our Anthias are adapted to aquarium life and most are eating a good quality flake food, such as Jbl Maris, before being offered for sale. We find that the best way to keep this species is in a small group. Hobbyists should aim to keep at least 1 Male Fathead Sunburst Anthias with 3 or more females.