Anthiadinae

Anthiadinae is a subfamily of ray-finned fishes in the family Serranidae, within the order Perciformes. In many classifications, the fishes commonly called anthias are placed in Anthiadinae, though some systems treat Anthiadinae as the separate family Anthiadidae. Modern classifications most often place the group as a subfamily of Serranidae, alongside the groupers and sea basses.

Members of Anthiadinae are generally small to medium-sized reef-associated fishes. They are typically brightly colored and have slender, laterally compressed bodies, with a habit of hovering over coral reefs or rocky substrates. They occur in tropical and subtropical seas, with a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific region and on coral reef systems worldwide.

Ecology and behavior: Anthiadine species are usually diurnal planktivores, feeding on zooplankton and small invertebrates. Many form social groups comprising one dominant male and several females, and several species are known for protogynous hermaphroditism, meaning individuals can change sex from female to male in response to social conditions. Spawning often occurs in groups or pairs and can be seasonally timed; some species exhibit synchronized spawning events.

Systematics and genera: The subfamily includes numerous genera, with Anthias and Pseudanthias being among the best known. Taxonomic boundaries within Serranidae have undergone revisions, and the composition of Anthiadinae has varied among authorities. The diversity of the group reflects its success on tropical reefs, where many species contribute to the structure of reef fish communities.

Conservation and human interactions: Anthiadine fishes are popular in the marine aquarium trade due to their color and activity. They face threats common to reef species, including habitat degradation, climate change, and overfishing in some regions, though many species are resilient in well-managed reef environments.