Little Shop of Coral
Sunburst Anthias (Serranocirrhitus latus)
Sunburst Anthias (Serranocirrhitus latus)
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The Sunburst Anthias is a premium reef fish with a rich orange-yellow glow and a calmer personality than many open-water anthias. Instead of constantly schooling in the water column, it prefers to hover near caves and overhangs, making it a perfect choice for reef tanks with lots of rockwork and shaded areas. With stable conditions and a solid feeding routine, it becomes an incredible feature fish.
Why we love it
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Unreal orange-yellow colour that pops under reef lighting
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More calm and cave-oriented than many anthias species
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Great “show fish” for mature reefs without constant high-speed swimming
Suggested parameters
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Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)
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Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
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Ammonia/Nitrite: 0
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Nitrate: Under 10–15 ppm (lower and stable is best)
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High oxygenation: Strong flow and surface agitation recommended
Care and temperament
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Temperament: Peaceful
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Reef safe: Yes
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Minimum tank size: 55 gallons recommended (larger is better for stability and rockwork options)
Diet
Sunbursts do best with frequent small meals and a variety of meaty foods.
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Frozen mysis (a staple), enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood
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Quality frozen blends
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Small pellets once established (many will accept over time)
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Feed small amounts 2 to 3 times per day when possible
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Shy eaters at first, so target feeding can help
Compatibility and tankmates
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Best with peaceful reef fish that will not bully it or outcompete it at feeding time
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Provide lots of caves, overhangs, and shaded areas for security
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Avoid very aggressive wrasses and overly pushy eaters in smaller tanks
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Can be kept singly or as a pair in larger systems with plenty of shelter
What you are buying
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You will receive: 1 Sunburst Anthias (Serranocirrhitus latus)
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Colour and size can vary between individuals and may intensify as it settles in
As with all anthias, slow acclimation is recommended, and quarantine is encouraged when possible.
Collapsible content
LIGHT
LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.
MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height.
HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.
FLOW
LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.
MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.
HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.
SKILL
ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.
While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.
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