Disper Anthias

Introduction:

Common Names: Dispar Anthias, Peach Anthias, Madder Seaperch.

Natural Habitat: Found in coral reef environments across the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in areas with strong currents and abundant planktonic food sources. They often form schools above the reef.

Physical Characteristics:

Appearance: Males display a brilliant orange to pink body with a subtle violet hue and often a pale blue dorsal fin. Females are slightly smaller and exhibit a softer peach coloration with less vivid accents.

Size: Typically grows to about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in length.

Lifespan: 5-7 years in well-maintained aquariums.

Habitat Requirements:

Tank Size: Minimum of 75 gallons for a small group; larger tanks are recommended to accommodate their active swimming and schooling behavior.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C).

pH: 8.1-8.4.

Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity.

Aquascaping: Provide live rock for shelter and perching, combined with open swimming areas. Dispar Anthias prefer tanks with moderate to strong water flow to mimic their natural habitat.

Diet:

Primary Diet: Planktivorous; feeds on zooplankton in the wild.

Supplemental Feeding: Offer high-quality frozen or live foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and copepods. Enriched flake or pellet foods designed for carnivorous fish can also be included.

Feeding Frequency: Requires frequent feedings (2-3 times daily) due to their fast metabolism and active nature.

Compatibility:

Temperament: Peaceful and social, thrives in groups of at least 3-5 individuals, ideally with one dominant male and several females.

Suitable Tank Mates: Compatible with other peaceful reef fish like gobies, wrasses, tangs, and clownfish. Reef-safe and coexists well with corals and invertebrates.

Incompatibilities: Avoid aggressive or predatory species such as triggers, groupers, or lionfish.

Care Level:

Difficulty: Moderate; requires consistent water quality, proper nutrition, and a well-structured environment to thrive.

Health Monitoring: Observe for signs of stress or illness, such as color fading or labored breathing. Regular water changes and a stable environment are critical.

Breeding:

Reproductive Behavior: Protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning females can transition to males in the absence of a dominant male.

Spawning: Mating typically occurs during the evening, with males displaying vibrant colors and elaborate courtship behaviors. Fertilized eggs are released into the water column.

Breeding in Captivity: Rare and challenging due to specific larval care requirements and planktonic feeding.

Economic Considerations:

Market Demand: A popular choice in the marine aquarium trade for their vibrant coloration and peaceful schooling behavior.

Pricing: Affordable compared to other anthias species, with price variations depending on size and regional availability.

Conclusion:

The Dispar Anthias is a captivating and active species that adds a splash of vibrant color to reef aquariums. Their peaceful nature and schooling behavior make them an excellent choice for aquarists seeking to replicate the dynamics of a natural reef. However, their care requires attention to water quality, frequent feeding, and maintaining a harmonious social group. With proper care, they can become a highlight in any saltwater setup.