Pictilis Anthias – Painted Goldie
Also referred to as the Painted Goldie, the Pictilis Anthias is pinkish-blue, with a large blue oval on the caudal fin, and bright orange-red coloration on the rear 1/3 of the body.
One of the larger Anthias species, Pictilis do well with only a single male in a tank with a small group of females of the same species. Although a 125 gallon tank will suffice for one fish, if keeping a group, you may need up to a 180 gallon tank or even larger for best success. Pictilis Anthias prefer a tank with multiple hiding places and caves, and initially prefers lower lighting conditions as they are found in moderately deep water.
Anthias species all share the trait of being hermaphroditic. If a dominant male perishes, the largest female of the group will often morph to take its place.
| Size | Temperament | Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 inches | Docile, territorial with males | Best in small groups (1 male + 3–5 females) |
FAQ
What is the ideal tank size for a single Pictilis Anthias?
A 125-gallon tank is sufficient for one Pictilis Anthias.
Can Pictilis Anthias live in a community tank with other fish?
Pictilis Anthias are best kept with other Anthias of the same species. They may not get along well with aggressive or fast-swimming species.
Do Pictilis Anthias have any special care requirements?
They prefer tanks with multiple hiding places and caves. Initially, they respond well to lower lighting conditions.
Fiona Powell –
The Pictilis Anthias is a striking fish with vibrant coloration. I kept one male and three females in a 180-gallon tank with plenty of caves. They are active and peaceful, and the color change in the rear body is very noticeable. The fish adapted well to the lower lighting and showed no aggression.
Colin Avery –
I added a Pictilis Anthias to my 125-gallon tank. The fish is beautiful with its blue oval and orange-red tail. It stayed calm and didn’t show signs of stress. I plan to add more females in the future to form a group.
Jacob Langdon –
The fish has a unique appearance and is quite active. I noticed the hermaphroditic behavior when one of the males died — the largest female changed into a male. It’s a fascinating trait to observe.