Pseudanthias dispar

Datasheet

General Description

The Dispar Anthias, also known as the Orange Anthias, Peach Fairy Basslet, or Peach Anthias, is a species belonging to the Serranidae family. They can grow up to 10.0cm and are primarily found in the Pacific Ocean, ranging from Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to various locations in the Central/West Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef and Fiji. This delicate species is typically orange or pink in color and is known for its peaceful and reef-safe nature.

Aquarium Suitability

The Dispar Anthias is considered suitable for aquariums, but with care. They are docile but may exhibit aggression towards similar species of the same gender. These fish are suitable for larger aquaria and reef aquarium setups due to their peaceful demeanor and vibrant coloration. However, they are known to jump out of open aquariums, requiring secure tank lids to prevent escapes.

Demands

This species can be choosy eaters initially, preferring live foods like Cyclops and Artemia. Over time, they can adapt to eating fish flakes, but frequent feeding is essential, especially when they are first introduced to the aquarium. The Dispar Anthias requires a varied diet consisting of small crustaceans like krill and zooplankton such as Cyclops to thrive in captivity.

Care and Hardiness

Being a delicate species, the Dispar Anthias requires a stable environment with water parameters within the ranges of pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12, salinity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature between 22.2-25.6°C. They are docile but shy, needing ample hiding spots within live rocks to feel secure. Additionally, they demand several feedings a day, especially upon introduction to the aquarium.

Reef Suitability

The Dispar Anthias is known to be reef-safe, making them a great addition to a reef aquarium. Their peaceful nature and vibrant coloration complement reef environments well. They will appreciate a setup with live rocks and ample hiding spaces to explore and seek shelter.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Dispar Anthias, it is crucial to provide a tank size of at least 300 liters or more to accommodate their needs adequately. Ensuring a secure lid is essential to prevent any attempted jumps out of the tank. Introducing them with suitable tank mates and providing a well-structured environment with hiding places will help reduce stress and aggression.

Behaviour

These fish tend to be shy and docile, preferring to stay hidden among live rocks or in shaded areas of the tank. They may exhibit aggression towards similar species of the same gender, so careful consideration should be given when selecting tank mates. In larger groups, they may form social hierarchies with one dominant male and multiple females.

Feeding and Diet

The Dispar Anthias should be fed a varied diet consisting of small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, as well as zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. They require frequent feedings throughout the day, especially during their acclimatization period. Over time, they can adapt to consuming fish flakes but should still be offered live or frozen foods for proper nutrition.

Dimorphism

This species is known to be hermaphroditic, with females being able to change gender to males when needed. In aquarium settings, they may exhibit color variations based on their gender and social roles within a group. The ability to change gender helps maintain reproductive dynamics within their social structure.

Habitat and Distribution

The Dispar Anthias is predominantly found in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, ranging from Christmas Island to the Line Islands, and as far north as the Yaeyama Islands and south to the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, and Samoa. They prefer coral-rich environments with plenty of hiding places to retreat to when feeling threatened. Their distribution overlaps with various reef systems, indicating their affinity for reef habitats.