Description
Azuma Anthias - Zalanthias azumanus
Zalanthias azumanus, known among collectors as the Azuma Anthias or Azuma Perchlet, is a breathtaking deepwater species native to the western Pacific Ocean. Found along the twilight slopes of Japan and the northern Philippines, this elusive fish glows with alternating crimson and pearlescent white bands, a pattern that shimmers softly under low blue-spectrum light. Unlike typical Pseudanthias species, Zalanthias exhibit a more compact, perch-like body shape, large inquisitive eyes, and a calm hovering behavior — perfectly suited to the shadowed ledges and caves of mesophotic reefs.
Origin: Western Pacific Ocean – Japan to the northern Philippines
Depth: 60–130 m (200–425 ft)
Lighting: Low to moderate – thrives under subdued, deepwater lighting with blue or actinic tones
Flow: Moderate to strong, simulating gentle upwellings
Tank Placement: Middle to lower zones, near rock structures and shaded crevices
Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Diet: Carnivorous – prefers small, frequent feedings of enriched mysis shrimp, copepods, and finely chopped marine fare
Temperament: Peaceful and reclusive; best housed with gentle tankmates and minimal competition
Size: Up to 8 cm (3 inches)
Care Level: Advanced – highly sensitive to decompression and transport, requiring stable, pristine conditions
Compatibility: Excellent for calm, mature reef systems; thrives singly or in carefully balanced pairs
Collector’s Note:
The Zalanthias azumanus is among the most exclusive deepwater reef fishes ever collected, seldom encountered even by professional divers operating beyond 60 meters. Each specimen undergoes a painstaking decompression process to ensure survival from the mesophotic zone to the surface. Its delicate patterning — soft coral red and alabaster white — evokes the serene gradients of its native twilight reefs. For discerning aquarists, this species represents not just a fish, but a glimpse into the unlit depths of the Pacific — a living rarity reserved for the truly dedicated collector.
