Evansi Anthias

The evansi anthias is easily recognized by the sharp contrast between its blue-purple body and its yellow back and tail. In the Indian Ocean it picks plankton at different depths of the water column on outer reef slopes and the upper parts of walls, in schools of hundreds of individuals. Long known in the genus Pseudanthias, it was moved to the genus Mirolabrichthys with a 2022 revision. Specimens are wild-collected. It is a schooling fish; kept singly or in pairs it stays shy, while in a group it becomes bolder and more colorful.

• At least 400 liters for a group of 3–6 individuals; a large open swimming area.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C; high oxygen and strong flow.
• All members of the group should be added on the same day; a lid is recommended.
• Reef-safe: It leaves corals and invertebrates alone.

Carnivorous; it picks plankton. Offer frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods and small granule foods in small amounts at least 3 times a day; an automatic feeder helps.

Peaceful and active. Males are more distinctly colored and display among themselves; in a large group this behavior is spread out.

Good companions: Clownfish, fairy and flasher wrasses, dwarf angelfish, calm tangs, cardinalfish.

Avoid: Lionfish, groupers, dottybacks, large hogfish, small aquariums.