How to Identify Redfin Anthias

To identify Redfin Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Males are typically more brightly colored than females. Females exhibit an orange-pink to reddish-orange body with a distinct red stripe running from the snout through the eye to the caudal peduncle. The dorsal fin is often yellow. Males develop a more intense red coloration, particularly on the dorsal and caudal fins, and may have an elongated third dorsal spine. The caudal fin is deeply forked, often with red tips.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Sexual dimorphism (males more vibrant, elongated dorsal spine), Red stripe through the eye in females, Deeply forked caudal fin, often with red tips, Small size, typically under 10 cm

Dorsal fin

10 spines, 16-17 soft rays; third dorsal spine often elongated in males.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, often with red tips.

Pectoral fin

16-18 rays, clear to slightly reddish.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are relatively long and pointed.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration (Female)

   Look for an orange-pink to reddish-orange body with a prominent red stripe extending from the snout through the eye to the caudal peduncle. The dorsal fin is often yellow.

2. 2

   Coloration (Male)

   Males are more intensely red, especially on the dorsal and caudal fins. They often have an elongated third dorsal spine, which is a key distinguishing feature.

3. 3

   Caudal Fin

   The caudal (tail) fin is deeply forked, a characteristic shared by many Pseudanthias species, but the red tips are often pronounced in P. dispar.

4. 4

   Behavior

   Observe their schooling behavior; they typically form large, active aggregations hovering in the water column above the reef, darting to catch zooplankton.

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