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Flame Anthias

Pseudanthias ignitus
A flame anthias swimming in a dark green area, sharply contrasting with its bright orange body and red back fin.

Flame Anthias

Pseudanthias ignitus
Other Common Names
Ignitus Anthias, Flame Basslet
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts
Other Common Names
Ignitus Anthias, Flame Basslet

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

The caudal fin of the flame anthias is deeply forked.

Males of this species are yellow to orange with pink to reddish heads. They have a lavender-edged orange stripe that goes from the front of their snout over to the lower part of the eye to the front of the upper edge of the pectoral fin base. Their dorsal fin is red and the rear half of the dorsal fin base is greenish yellow. Females look similar to male, but their colors are much less intense.

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs at a depth of 3 to 15m

Diet

Zooplankton

Life History

Like other members of the Pseudanthias genus, this species occurs in groups and forms a harem-type social structure. Each male leads a group of females which may include up to 10 or more individuals. If something should happen to the male flame anthias, the highest ranking female in the harem changes sex and takes charge of the harem.

Flame anthias are pelagic spawners, meaning they release eggs and sperm into the water. Then once the fertilized eggs hatch, they begin a larval stage where they disperse by ocean currents. Eventually, they settle in shallow coral reef areas, growing into juveniles and then adults.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

As prey for a variety of larger predators, this small fish helps maintain the balance of coral reef ecosystems.
Range
Occurs around the Maldives, Similan Islands off Thailand, and Sumatra in Indonesia
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not native to the Oregon Coast, however is found in the larger Pacific Ocean. It lives in the Aquarium as part of our Connected Coasts gallery.
Fun Facts
When a female of this species changes sex to male they also change color.

Citations & Other Resources

  • Allen, G.R., Heemstra, P.C. & Sadovy, Y.J. 2010. Pseudanthias ignitus (errata version published in 2017). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.
  • Heemstra, P. C., and K.V. Akhilesh. 2012. A review of the anthiine fish genus Pseudanthias of the western Indian Ocean, with description of a new species and a key to the species. Aqua (Neu-Isenburg, Germany), 18(3), 121-.
  • Allen, G. R., and Western Australian Museum. 2009. Field guide to marine fishes of tropical Australia and South-East Asia (4th ed.). Western Australian Museum.
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Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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