Bicolor Anthias (Pseudanthias bicolor)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ⚠️ With caution (may prey on small crustaceans)
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes
• Minimum tank size: 475 liters (125 gallons)
• Adult size: Up to 13 cm (5 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on zooplankton and small invertebrates
• Be aware of: Requires frequent feeding; best kept in groups with a single male; needs ample swimming space and hiding spots
Appearance and Coloration
The Bicolor Anthias is celebrated for its vibrant and contrasting hues. Males display a striking combination of violet bodies with a bright yellow dorsal area extending into the upper caudal fin. Their dorsal fin is edged in purple, with the first ray elongated. Females, on the other hand, exhibit a lavender body complemented by a yellow back and caudal fin. This sexual dimorphism adds dynamic color variations to marine aquariums.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Pseudanthias bicolor inhabits the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from Réunion and Mauritius to Hawaii and the Line Islands, and northward to the Ryukyu Islands. They are commonly found in lagoon patch reefs and outer reef slopes, favoring areas with strong currents at depths between 5 to 68 meters. In the wild, Bicolor Anthias form large schools, with a social structure comprising a dominant male overseeing a group of females and juveniles. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning the dominant female can change sex to male if the leading male is absent.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons (475 liters)
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 22°C – 26°C (72°F – 78°F)
• pH: 8.1 – 8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025
• Aquascaping:
• Provide ample open swimming space to accommodate their active nature.
• Incorporate multiple hiding spots using live rock formations to offer shelter and establish territories.
• Lighting: Moderate; standard reef lighting is suitable.
• Water Movement: Moderate to strong flow, replicating their natural reef environments.
Diet and Feeding
In their natural habitat, Bicolor Anthias primarily feed on zooplankton. In captivity:
• Captive Diet:
• Offer a variety of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
• Supplement with high-quality marine pellets and flakes enriched with vitamins.
• Feeding Frequency: Multiple small feedings throughout the day are recommended to mimic their natural feeding habits and maintain optimal health.
Compatibility and Social Structure
• Temperament:
• Generally peaceful, but males can exhibit territorial behavior, especially toward other males.
• Best maintained in groups with a single male and multiple females to mirror their natural social structure.
• Tank Mates:
• Compatible with other peaceful reef species such as gobies, blennies, and wrasses.
• Avoid housing with aggressive or significantly larger fish that may intimidate or outcompete them.
• Caution is advised when keeping with small ornamental shrimp or very small fish, as they may be perceived as prey.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals but may pose a threat to small invertebrates.
Important Considerations
• Feeding Habits: Due to their high metabolism, Bicolor Anthias require frequent feedings. An automatic feeder can be beneficial to ensure consistent feeding schedules.
• Social Dynamics: Maintaining a harem with one male and multiple females helps reduce aggression and stress.
• Acclimation: They may be sensitive during the acclimation process; ensure stable water parameters and a stress-free environment to facilitate adjustment.
• Tank Cover: Known to jump, so a secure lid is essential to prevent escape.