Pseudanthias bicolor

Datasheet

General Description

The Bicolor Anthias, scientifically known as Pseudanthias bicolor, is a species belonging to the Serranidae family. It can be found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from Mauritius to the Hawaiian and Line islands, with its habitat extending north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to the Loyalty Islands, including the Marshall and Caroline islands in Micronesia. This species can reach a maximum size of approximately 13.0cm.

Aquarium Suitability

With an average hardiness level, the Bicolor Anthias is deemed suitable for aquariums but requires careful attention. It acclimatizes best when introduced to aquarium conditions as a juvenile, and very small individuals may be delicate. They can be selective eaters initially, preferring live food like Cyclops and Artemia before adapting to flakes over time. This species tends to lose its vibrant coloration in captivity unless provided with a diet rich in pigmented food. They are known to be docile but can exhibit aggression towards similar species of the same gender.

Demands

The Bicolor Anthias displays a docile temperament, making it essential to be cautious when housing them with more aggressive tankmates. These fish require frequent feeding, especially when acclimating to a new environment. Usually, groups of Anthias can coexist in a larger aquarium with one male and multiple females; however, overcrowding can lead to hierarchy struggles and potential stress-related fatalities among the group members.

Care and Hardiness

Being relatively hardy, the Bicolor Anthias needs good hiding spots within the aquarium, such as between live rocks, to alleviate stress and provide security. To maintain their well-being, a varied diet consisting of small crustaceans like krill and zooplankton such as Cyclops is recommended. This species is known to change gender from female to male when necessary for the group's dynamics.

Reef Suitability

The Bicolor Anthias is classified as always reef safe, ensuring compatibility with reef environments without posing a threat to coral or other invertebrates present within the reef setup.

Aquarium Setup

Creating a suitable aquarium environment for the Bicolor Anthias involves providing ample hiding spaces, dimmed lighting initially that gradually increases to normal levels, and maintaining water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a carbonate hardness (KH) level between 8-12.

Behaviour

In their natural habitat, Bicolor Anthias are accustomed to faint lighting, emphasizing the importance of replicating similar light conditions in the aquarium during the acclimatization process to ensure their well-being and comfort.

Feeding and Diet

Feeding the Bicolor Anthias a diet rich in small crustaceans and zooplankton is essential for maintaining their health and vibrant coloration in captivity. Regular feeding with appropriate food sources is crucial for their overall well-being.

Habitat and Distribution

The Bicolor Anthias can be found in a vast distribution range from the East Indian Ocean to the Central/West Pacific, including regions such as the West Indian Ocean, Australia, Indonesia, and parts of the East Pacific. This species typically inhabits reef environments in these regions, displaying their vibrant colors and unique behaviors within their natural ecosystems.