Yellowtail anthias

The yellowtail anthias, also called Evans' anthias, is a small marine reef fish in the family Serranidae, subfamily Anthiadinae, native to the Indian Ocean, notably the Maldives and Sri Lanka. It has a striking violet to lavender body contrasting with a bright yellow tail and yellow markings on the head and back. It is a schooling planktivore that congregates in large aggregations along reef slopes, feeding on drifting zooplankton, and can change sex from female to male. It is best kept in a reef aquarium with strong water flow, ample open swimming space, and secure rockwork, ideally in a group with one dominant male. Frequent feedings of small meaty foods such as mysis, copepods, and enriched brine shrimp are needed to maintain its color and condition. It is reef-safe and generally peaceful, and suits intermediate keepers able to feed often.