A question about anthias.

[Keith A]

Is it true that anthias color will fade over time in a tank with brighter lights such as metal halides? Just curious.

 

[BlueDartReefer]

While Anthias can be a difficult species to house in our brightly lit reefs, I would suggest color fading has a lot (or more) to do with diet. We've had a Trio of Bartlet Anthias for a few years and the colors have only gotten better, especially once the dominate female turned male.

 

[snorvich]

Proper feeding should keep good coloration. I find that HUFA foods tend to improve coloration.

 

[MIKE NY]

I agree with all the above posts. I also find that the male coloration will fade if there aren't any females of the same species in the tank regardless of diet or water quality...

 

[davocean]

It also varies among each kind of anthias, my lyretails are extremely bright, yet my carryberi's faded a bit.
I'm trying a new food source mix from a local reefer right now hoping that helps.