Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Bicolor Anthias are the most widespread species in the genus Pseudanthias and has a wide Indo-Pacific distribution from Réunion and Mauritius in the west to Hawaii and the Line Islands, north as far as the Ryukyus south of Japan and south to northeastern Australia The males have a more intense coloration with a violet body and yellow running along the back through the upper tail fin. The females tend to be lavender in color with a yellow back and tail. The dorsal fin of the male is edged in purple, and the first ray is elongated. These are one of the hardier of the Anthias and make a wonderful addition to the saltwater reef or fish only aquarium, reaching an adult length of approximately 5 inches.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Anthias feed on zooplankton and occur in areas with strong currents such as reef faces, slopes, drop off zones. In the aquarium they do best when fed a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched frozen brine shrimp, and over time may begin to feed upon high-quality flake foods and pellets offered in small quantities throughout the day.Â
Care Requirements: The Bicolor Anthias does best when kept with its own kind in a small shoal in an aquarium at least 75 gallons. They make a beautiful addition to the peaceful fish-only marine aquarium as well as the mixed reef aquarium. To best recreate a natural reef environment for the Bicolor Anthias, aquascape with a generous amount of live rock and create slopes, caves, and overhangs for an interesting and diverse reef aquarium landscape. They are considered reef safe and will not bother coral or other invertebrates. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Medium: 2″ to 3″; Large 3-1/4″ to 4-1/4″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.Â
