Twin spot Anthias

Description

• Also known as the Twospot, Two-Spot or Bimaculatus Anthias.
• A spectacular reef fish with strong sexual colour differences.
• Males develop deep red/pink colouring with striking markings and one or two darker spots around the dorsal area.
• Females are generally pink/orange with bright yellow dorsal, anal and tail fins.
• Naturally found around deeper reef drop-offs in the Indo-West Pacific.
• Maximum size: approximately 14 cm.
• Reef safe: Yes
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Care level: Moderate

Aquarium Care

• Recommended tank: ± 450–500 L+, particularly for a group. They are active mid-water swimmers and benefit greatly from plenty of open swimming room.
• Temperature: 23–26°C
• Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• KH: approximately 8–12 dKH
• Provide strong water movement and highly oxygenated, clean water.
• Include plenty of rockwork and caves for retreating, while leaving a large open-water area for swimming.

Feeding

Twinspot Anthias are planktivorous carnivores with high metabolisms.

Feed small portions at least 2–3 times daily, preferably more frequently when newly introduced.

Good foods include:

• Frozen mysis shrimp
• Enriched brine shrimp
• Copepods
• Calanus/plankton
• Finely chopped marine foods
• Quality small marine pellets once acclimated

A mature refugium producing copepods can be especially beneficial.

Social Behaviour

• Can be kept singly or in groups.
• For groups, keep one male with several females rather than multiple males.
• Anthias are sequential hermaphrodites — if the dominant male disappears, the dominant female can change into a male.
• Avoid aggressive tankmates that prevent them from feeding or force them into hiding.
• A secure lid is recommended because startled anthias can jump.

Good Tankmates

✓ Tangs
✓ Clownfish
✓ Wrasses
✓ Gobies
✓ Blennies
✓ Other peaceful/semi-aggressive reef fish
✓ Corals and most reef invertebrates

Quick Rating

Reef Safe: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hardiness: ⭐⭐⭐
Feeding: ⭐⭐⭐
Temperament: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Colour: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Minimum tank: ~450–500 L
Adult size: ~14 cm
Best kept: Single specimen or 1 male with several females

Retail note: Twinspots are absolutely gorgeous once settled, but I wouldn't sell them as an “easy anthias.” The main consideration is getting them feeding well and feeding frequently enough. Once established and eating aggressively, they're considerably easier to maintain.