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St. Helena anthias (Anthias helenensis) — Serranidae

St. Helena anthias

Anthias helenensis
Family: Serranidae

The St. Helena anthias (Anthias helenensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
17.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
163.0–460.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: St Helena

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Description

The St. Helena anthias is an anthias (Serranidae) from reef and rocky water of the remote islands of St. Helena and Ascension in the Atlantic. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a stocky, orange-pink to red body with yellow tints. As a day-active fish it hovers in small groups above rocky reefs and snaps at zooplankton in the current. Like many anthias a female can change sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the St. Helena anthias?

The St. Helena anthias has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the St. Helena anthias live?

The St. Helena anthias lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: St Helena

How big does the St. Helena anthias get?

The St. Helena anthias grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the St. Helena anthias dangerous to humans?

No, the St. Helena anthias is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
St. Helena anthias sourced
Scientific name
Anthias helenensis
Family
Serranidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.9 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
163.0 verified
Max depth (m)
460.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: St Helena sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Anthias

More from the family Serranidae

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