Threadfin Anthias

Pseudanthias huchtii

Threadfin Anthias is a small reef fish from Indo-Pacific coral reefs, best known for its vivid coloration and elongated fin rays. It lives above steep reef slopes and outer-reef drop-offs, where it feeds in the water column on tiny zooplankton.

Saltwater

Threadfin Anthias reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Bright pink to orange-red body with a paler underside
Elongated dorsal-fin rays and a threadlike tail streamer in males
Large eye and laterally compressed anthias shape with small mouth

Habitat

Outer reef slopes, surge channels, and drop-offs over live coral and rocky reef in clear tropical marine water, usually in midwater above the bottom.

Bait notes

Rarely targeted by anglers. If caught intentionally, very small planktonic imitations, micro-jigs, and tiny fly patterns that mimic zooplankton are more relevant than traditional baits.

Behavior

Forms loose harems around reef structure; feeds on drifting zooplankton in the current and retreats into the reef when threatened. Most active in daylight and often stays a few meters above coral heads.

Caution

Do not rely on it as a food fish; small reef species can carry ciguatera risk depending on location, and local collection rules may apply in marine protected areas.

Fishing notes

Best approached with ultra-light tackle in clear water near reef drop-offs or current seams; small white, pink, or orange flies/micro-lures fished gently in the midwater zone may draw strikes. Most records are incidental, not a common gamefish.