Description
The Dispar Anthias, Pseudanthias dispar, is a small, colorful reef fish known for its vibrant colors and peaceful temperament. It's a popular choice for home aquariums, particularly for those with reef tanks.
Key Features:
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Coloration: Males have a bright red dorsal fin and a distinctive purple-edged orange stripe. Females display a yellowish-orange top and pale lavender to white underside.
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Size: They grow to a maximum of 10 cm (4 inches).
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Temperament: They are generally peaceful and reef-safe, making them suitable for community tanks.
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Habitat: They are found in shallow waters on coral reefs and outer reef slopes.
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Aquarium Care:
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Water Parameters: They prefer a temperature of 23-28°C, a pH between 8 and 8.5, and good water quality with low nitrates.
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Tank Size: A minimum of 200 liters (50 gallons) is recommended for a small group.
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Social Structure: They are social and thrive in groups of one male and 3-4 females.
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Diet: They are active planktivores and prefer a diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality flake food.
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Reef Compatibility: They are reef-safe and can be kept with other peaceful reef inhabitants.
Distinctive Features:
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Hermaphroditic: Anthias are known for being hermaphroditic, meaning they can change sex if a dominant male dies.
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Schooling Behavior: They naturally live in schools, so keeping them in groups is recommended.
