Description: The Fathead or Fathead sunburst anthias (Serranocirrhitus latus) is orange-yellow on the upper body and pinkish magenta on the lower body. Scale margins and facial markings are dense yellow and orange. The intricate facial markings somewhat resemble a bejeweled headband with interesting shapes and two streaks of yellow on each cheek.
Size: The deep-bodied Fathead anthias usually reaches a maximum length of four to five inches (10 – 13 cm).
Behavior: In the wild, they are usually found solitarily or in small haremic groups (single male with multiple females).
Diet: Their diet primarily consists of zooplankton and floating algae.
Reproduction: Fathead anthias, like all other anthias species, are hermaphroditic. If a dominant male dies, the largest female of the group will morph to take his place. Spawning is pelagic; external fertilization of eggs.
Habitat/range: They are often found in coral reefs, in crevices, caves or under overhangs to which they can retreat if threatened; in the Western Pacific, from Indonesia to southern Japan and Tonga.
Status: Not evaluated.
