Pseudanthias dispar

(Herre, 1955)

Dispar Anthias, Redfin Anthias, Peach Anthias

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Christmas Island to the Line Islands, north to Southern Japan, and south to the Great Barrier Reef.

Size: 4 inches (10 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits upper edges of steep outer reefs where they form large aggregations and usually found at depths between 3 to about 50 feet (1 – 15 m) where it feeds on zooplankton.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade, and quite attractive. Colors vary somewhat depending upon area of collection. Males have an orange-red to pink lower body coloration with the upper area, yellowish and a bright red dorsal fin. Females may have yellowish orange on the area above the mid-body, and pale lavender to white below.

One of the more problematic species in this family diet-wise to maintain. Best maintained in aquaria with some rocky caves and strong water movement that has a large unencumbered area for schooling, which will occur in the upper third of this area. Tankmates should be peaceful and all should be last to enter the aquarium.

As to diet, often difficult to get feeding, and if so, fortified live adult brine shrimp may be necessary until they accept other types of aquarium foods, e.g., frozen foods and fresh marine fish and invertebrate flesh. Once accepting regular aquarium foods, those foods should be finely chopped and be offered at least twice daily, and dispensed upstream so water currents carry food to their location.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Percoidei

Family: Serranidae

Subfamily: Anthiinae

Genus: Pseudanthias

FYI: Best maintained in small groups, one male and at least six females.

Can jump out of the aquarium, therefore some sort of cover may be necessary.

Experience Level: Intermediate/Professional

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Carnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 80°F (22 – 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5