Pseudanthias dispar (Dispar Anthias / Peach Anthias / Redfin Anthias)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes
• Minimum tank size: 265L+ (preferably larger for groups)
• Adult size: ~9 cm (3.5 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous (zooplankton, frozen mysis/brine shrimp, enriched flake foods)
• Be aware of: Requires frequent feedings due to high metabolism. Best kept in harems (one male with multiple females). Sensitive to aggression from larger, more dominant tank mates.
Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar) – A Vibrant and Active Reef Fish
The Dispar Anthias, also known as the Peach Anthias or Redfin Anthias, is a colorful and lively schooling fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific. Unlike some more delicate anthias species, P. dispar is relatively hardy, making it one of the better choices for aquarists looking to add anthias to a reef aquarium.
Appearance and Coloration
The Dispar Anthias is easily recognizable due to its:
• Peach to orange-pink body, with subtle blue or lavender hues along the belly.
• Bright red dorsal fin in males, often elongated.
• Females appearing more subdued, with lighter coloration.
• Slender, torpedo-like body shape, allowing for quick movements in the water column.
Males are more vibrantly colored and may develop elongated dorsal and caudal fin filaments to assert dominance.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Native to the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef, Dispar Anthias inhabit:
• Reef slopes and coral bommies, often swimming in large aggregations.
• Depths of 3-40 meters (10-130 feet), where they hover in the water column feeding on zooplankton.
• Haremic social structures, with one dominant male leading multiple females.
• High-energy schooling behavior, making them a captivating sight in aquariums.
In captivity, they thrive when provided with a similar environment, including open swimming areas and strong water movement.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
Due to their high activity level, Dispar Anthias require a well-structured aquarium with plenty of swimming space.
• Minimum tank size: 265L+ (70 gallons) for a small group; larger tanks (380L+) recommended for harems.
• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025
• Water movement: Moderate to strong, simulating natural reef currents.
• Aquascaping: Provide ample live rock structures for hiding spaces, but maintain open water areas for free swimming.
Maintaining high water quality is crucial for their health, as they are sensitive to sudden fluctuations.
Diet and Feeding
Dispar Anthias are planktivores, requiring frequent feedings due to their high metabolic rate. Their diet should include:
• Live and frozen mysis shrimp – A staple for protein intake.
• Enriched frozen brine shrimp – Provides additional nutrition.
• High-quality marine pellets and flakes – Suitable for daily feeding.
• Live foods (copepods, amphipods, rotifers) – Beneficial but not essential.
Feeding frequency: At least 3 times per day to maintain energy levels and prevent malnutrition.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
Dispar Anthias are one of the more peaceful anthias species, making them a great choice for community reef tanks.
✔ Compatible with:
• Other peaceful reef fish, such as Clownfish, Fairy Wrasses, Firefish, and Blennies.
• Small, non-aggressive Tangs, which won’t outcompete them for food.
• Reef-safe invertebrates, such as cleaner shrimp, snails, and crabs.
❌ Avoid housing with:
• Larger, aggressive fish, such as Groupers, Triggerfish, or large Dottybacks.
• Overly dominant anthias species, which may cause stress in harems.
• Fast-moving, aggressive feeders, which may outcompete them for food.
⚠ Best kept in harems (1 male with multiple females) to reduce aggression within the species.
Behavior and Social Structure
Unlike some anthias species, Dispar Anthias:
• Are more adaptable to captive environments, making them easier to keep.
• Prefer schooling in groups, rather than hiding in rockwork.
• Exhibit natural dominance hierarchies, where the largest female may transition to male if the dominant male is lost.
Their energetic swimming and social interactions make them a fascinating addition to larger reef tanks.
Health and Disease Considerations
Dispar Anthias are generally hardy, but they can be susceptible to:
• Malnutrition, if not fed frequently enough.
• Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans), particularly when stressed.
• Bacterial infections, usually due to poor water conditions.
To keep them healthy:
✔ Feed multiple times per day to prevent starvation.
✔ Provide plenty of swimming space to reduce stress.
✔ Maintain stable water conditions with excellent filtration and regular water changes.
Lifespan and Long-Term Care
With proper care, Dispar Anthias can live up to 5-7 years in captivity. Their stunning coloration, peaceful nature, and schooling behavior make them an excellent choice for well-maintained reef aquariums.
Why Choose a Dispar Anthias?
✔ One of the more hardy anthias, making them a great introduction to the species.
✔ Active and colorful, providing movement and vibrancy to reef tanks.
✔ Reef-safe, with no risk to corals or invertebrates.
✔ Social schooling behavior, making them an engaging species to observe.
✔ Long lifespan, ensuring they remain a centerpiece in your tank for years.
⚠ Important Considerations Before Buying a Dispar Anthias:
🚫 Requires multiple daily feedings, which may not suit all aquarists.
🚫 Sensitive to aggressive tank mates, needing careful species selection.
🚫 Best kept in harems, requiring a larger tank for proper social structures.