scubaseason

Arabian Anthias

Pseudanthias marcia

Sighting evidence at Lima Rock, Musandam Peninsula

Endemic to the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea, these vivid orange-pink anthias form dense aggregations over the pinnacle's upper walls, feeding on zooplankton carried by tidal currents. Their presence in such numbers signals the exceptional nutrient richness delivered by Strait of Hormuz upwellings. Males vigorously defend harems among the coral rubble, creating a constantly flickering curtain of color.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Arabian Anthias is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.