Bleeding Heart Anthias

Widespread Indian Ocean, ranging east to Sumatra. Adults form small schools at moderate depths. Mostly found on open substrate with low reefs and remote bommies in depths over 25m. Juveniles and females reddish dorsally to pale pinkish ventrally, a red band broadly along base of dorsal fin, caudal fin mostly red, and ventral fins plain. Males red with yellow anal fin and 'silver' stripe from below eye over cheek. Nuptial males almost white with blood-red caudal and ventral fins, and a red blotch or short bar centrally on sides. Length to 12cm.