Waite's Splitfin Anthias (Luzonichthys waitei)

Luzonichthys waitei, the Splitfin Anthias, is a slender and vividly coloured species bearing bright orange and yellow hues and a deeply forked tail that makes it exceptionally graceful in open-water schooling displays. Groups of this species swirl above the reef structure with constant activity, requiring frequent feeding throughout the day to sustain their high metabolism. A prized and eye-catching schooling fish for well-established large reef aquariums.

Keep in groups of at least 5 (one male, multiple females) in a 250 L or larger reef system with strong circulation and open water above the rockwork. Feed 2–3 times daily with frozen mysis, copepods, and enriched brine shrimp — insufficient feeding leads to rapid decline. Maintain temperature 23–27°C, SG 1.020–1.025. Acclimate slowly; this species can be sensitive during initial introduction.