Swallowtail seaperch (Anthias anthias)

Scientific name: Anthias anthias Linnaeus, 1758

The Swallowtail seaperch (Anthias anthias) is a marine fish of the family Serranidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 16–22°C (61–72°F). Native range: Eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean and Portugal to Angola, including the Azores. Range reported to extend south to northern Namibia.

Swallowtail seaperch care at a glance

Temperature: 16–22°C (61–72°F)

Biology

Lives amongst rocks, gravel, coral and in submarine caves on the continental shelf and upper slope. Nocturnal. Feeds on crustaceans and small fishes. Protogynous.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Anthias anthias
Family: Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 27.0
Common length: 15.0
Depth range: 300 m (984 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range ? - 300 m, usually 30 - 50 m
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Eastern Atlantic: Mediterranean and Portugal to Angola, including the Azores. Range reported to extend south to northern Namibia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)