Disbar Anthias

Dispar Anthias Overview

• Common Names: Dispar Anthias, Peach Anthias, Madagascar Anthias

• Scientific Name: Pseudanthias dispar

• Family: Serranidae (Anthias are part of the same family as groupers and sea bass)

• Origin: Indo-Pacific – including Indonesia, Maldives, and the Great Barrier Reef

• Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)

• Lifespan: 5–7 years with proper care

🌈 Appearance

• Males: Bright pink-to-orange body with a distinct red dorsal fin and often yellow highlights. Fins are elongated and showy.

• Females: Smaller and duller — typically peach or pinkish-orange with less vibrant fins.

• Sexual Dimorphism: Yes — males are more colorful and larger.

• Sequential Hermaphrodites: Like many anthias, Dispar Anthias are born female and can turn male in the absence of a dominant male.

🏝️ Natural Habitat

• Found in large schools over coral reefs, outer reef slopes, and drop-offs

• Usually swim in mid-water, feeding on plankton

🐟 Aquarium Care

Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (284 liters) for a group

• Setup Needs:

  • Open swimming space

  • Live rock for hiding and resting

  • Gentle to moderate water flow

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.020–1.025

• Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm

• Nitrates: Low (<20 ppm)

🤝 Behavior & Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Best Kept In: Small harems — 1 male with 3–5 females (never keep multiple males unless in very large tanks)

• Reef Safe: Yes — completely safe with corals and invertebrates

• Tankmates: Compatible with other peaceful to semi-aggressive reef fish (e.g., wrasses, gobies, tangs)

🍽️ Diet

• Feeding Type: Planktivore

• Diet:

  • Frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp

  • Enriched copepods or rotifers

  • High-quality micro-pellets or finely chopped marine meaty foods

  • Spirulina or other supplement-rich foods

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times per day — high metabolism, so frequent small feedings are essential

✅ Pros

• Striking colors and peaceful nature

• Excellent schooling/display fish

• Reef safe and active in mid-water column

• Can help mimic natural reef dynamics when kept in harems

❌ Cons

• Sensitive to poor water quality

• Requires frequent feeding

• Can be shy or stressed in overly aggressive tanks

• May not thrive in small or bare tanks

💡 Special Notes

• Use an auto-feeder if you’re not home often – they need regular feeding

• Acclimate slowly and quarantine if possible — they can be delicate after shipping

• Provide dim lighting at first — they can be startled by sudden bright lights

• If keeping a group, introduce all individuals at the same time to avoid aggression

Summary