Dispar Anthia (Pseudanthias dispar)

Max Size: 4 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons

The Dispar Anthias is a commonly recognized species. Male individuals possess a vibrant red dorsal fin and lack any red stripes on their tail. In contrast, the female displays a yellowish-orange hue on the upper body and pale lavender to white coloring on the underside.

In its natural habitat, the Dispar Anthias is typically found in reef environments. It primarily inhabits shallow waters. When kept in captivity, it thrives best in a 125-gallon aquarium, ideally housing one male and up to ten females. If kept individually, a 70-gallon tank is sufficient.

One notable characteristic of Anthias species is their hermaphroditic nature. In the event of the dominant male's demise, the largest female in the group often undergoes a transformation to assume the role of the male.

After acclimating to a new aquarium, the Dispar Anthias exhibits optimal health when provided with a diverse diet. This includes frozen mysis shrimp, enriched frozen brine shrimp, and, over time, small quantities of high-quality flake foods offered throughout the day. The presence of a connected refugium that cultivates copepods and amphipods ensures a continuous supply of nutritious live food, satisfying the dietary needs of this active planktivore.