Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Two Spot Anthias, also known as the Bimiculatus Anthias, are found in the Indo-Pacific. Admired for their shoaling and colorful presence in the aquarium, anthias can be high maintenance [particularly at first] due to their environmental and dietary requirements (see sections below). Like all anthias species, the Two spot anthias are hermaphroditic. This means that if the male of the group perishes, the dominant or largest female will change into a male to take its place. Male and female Two spot anthias differ slightly in appearance; males have an overall deep red-pink body with substantial patterning, while females also have an overall pink body but additionally have a yellow coloration on the dorsal side of their body and less patterning. Anthias thrive best in groups of at least 6 individuals, but more are encouraged. If a male is identifiable, it is best to keep him with multiple females as more than one male will quarrel for dominance. An adult Two spot anthias can grow to approximately 5″. Note: Anthias are known to be susceptible to bacterial and protozoan infections. Our rigorous 28 day quarantine process eliminates these concerns when you purchase anthias from Aquatics Unlimited.
Diet Requirements: In the wild anthias are zooplanktivores. This specific diet can be tricky to replicate, but an aquarium with a refugium that has a healthy population of copepods can greatly benefit your anthias. Additionally, a varied diet of high quality frozen foods such as brine shrimp, rotifers, calanus, mysis shrimp and other mixed preparations are important for best coloration, immune function and optimal health. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements given the activity level of anthias. Offering multiple, small feedings throughout the day can also be beneficial for maintaining anthias health and better replicate their natural feeding behaviors in the wild. Note: All of our anthias for sale are eating a combination of live foods and frozen foods, or frozen foods only. It is not uncommon for anthias to revert back to only accepting live foods for a period of time due to the stress of a new environment.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 125 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Two spot anthias; size up accordingly to accomodate a much larger shoal. Anthias require a set-up with live rock because it can provide some of the necessary microfauna to help keep them healthy. While anthias do spend the majority of their time in the open water column, they do appreciate some live rock slopes and overhangs to take refuge. Because Two spot anthias come from high flow areas in the wild, they prefer similar water movement in the aquarium. It is generally advised to provide hefty filtration and a protein skimmer for an aquarium with anthias. Given their peaceful nature, Two spot anthias should not be kept with overly large and aggressive species. It is also best practice to keep only one type of anthias per aquarium to avoid interspecific aggression and competition. Anthias make excellent reef inhabitants and would feel the most at home in this kind of setting; they will not bother coral or invertebrates. Once settled in and feeding well, Two spot anthias will surely be a center piece of your aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 3-1/2″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
