TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia 
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) 
Order: Perciformes (Perch-likes) 
Family: Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Subfamily: Anthiinae (Anthias)

Genus/species: Serranocirrhitus lathus

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GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Unlike its cousins the Pseudanthias species, the Flathead Anthias has a deep body and elongate pectoral fins that extend back as far as the posterior part of the anal fin.. Predominantly pink, with heavy yellow-to-orange scale margins and facial markings. Max.length: 10 cm (4 inches).

DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Western Pacific. Found near coral reefs usually at depths of 18 m (60 feet) or more, either solitarily or in small haremic groups; also found near caves, ledges, and drop-offs, usually close to crevices where they retreat if threatened.

DIET IN THE WILD: Zooplankton

REMARKS; First described in 1949 as a hawkfish in the family Cirritidae but in 1978 it was placed in the subfamily Anthiinae (Anthias).

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