Loris Anthias (Pseudanthias Lori)

The Loris Anthias is a stunning reef fish admired for its vibrant pink, orange, and yellow hues. Like other anthias species, it is a schooling fish that thrives in groups and requires frequent feedings of small, nutrient-rich foods. However, the Loris Anthias is considered challenging to keep due to its specific dietary needs, sensitivity to water conditions, and tendency to be outcompeted by faster feeders. It is best suited for advanced aquarists with experience in maintaining delicate species in a stable environment.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 5 inches.
• Tank Size: 90 gallons minimum; larger tanks are recommended for groups, with open swimming space and some rockwork for shelter.
• Diet: Carnivorous; feeds primarily on zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, it requires frequent feedings (2-3 times daily) of high-quality frozen foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and copepods. Live foods may be needed initially to encourage feeding.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; best kept in groups with a single male and multiple females to mimic natural social structures.
• Skill Level: Advanced; due to its feeding requirements, sensitivity to poor water quality, and social behavior, this species is challenging to maintain long-term.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates and is a beautiful addition to reef tanks when cared for properly.

Special Requirements - Frequent Feedings
The Loris Anthias requires frequent, small meals throughout the day to mimic its natural feeding behavior in the wild. Failure to provide consistent feedings can lead to stress, malnutrition, and a weakened immune system. Live foods or enriched frozen options may be necessary to ensure proper acclimation.

Compatibility
This anthias is peaceful and does well in community reef tanks with other non-aggressive species. Avoid housing it with fast-feeding or aggressive fish that may outcompete it for food. It thrives in groups of 3-5 individuals to support its natural schooling behavior.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Loris Anthias features a vibrant blend of pink, orange, and yellow tones with subtle iridescent highlights, creating a dynamic and colorful display in the aquarium​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly in deeper reef zones where it forms large schools and feeds on zooplankton. In aquariums, it requires stable water parameters and a mature setup to thrive​.