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About Dispar Anthias

The Dispar Anthias is a beautiful, peaceful schooling reef fish known for its orange-pink body, yellow-orange dorsal area and distinctive red markings around the eye. Their delicate colouration and active schooling behaviour make them an excellent addition to a mature reef aquarium.

Dispar Anthias are naturally found in groups around coral reefs, where they spend much of their time feeding on plankton in the water column. They are active swimmers and look particularly impressive when maintained as a group.

Like other anthias, Dispar Anthias have a fascinating social structure. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning individuals begin life as females. If the dominant male disappears, the largest female can change sex and become the new dominant male.

They have a high metabolism and benefit from multiple small feedings throughout the day. A varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood and quality marine pellets helps maintain their colour and condition.

Dispar Anthias are generally peaceful and reef safe, making them excellent additions to peaceful reef communities.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Pseudanthias dispar
Common Name: Dispar Anthias
Family: Serranidae
Type: Marine Reef Fish / Anthias
Adult Size: Approximately 8–9 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 200 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Planktivore / Carnivore
Tank Level: Midwater to Upper Levels
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Reef aquariums, schooling displays and peaceful marine community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Dispar Anthias should I keep?

They are social schooling fish and are best kept in a group, ideally with one male and multiple females. Larger groups can create a spectacular natural display.

Can Dispar Anthias change sex?

Yes. They are protogynous hermaphrodites. If the dominant male disappears, the largest female can transition into a male.

How often should I feed Dispar Anthias?

They have a high metabolism and benefit from several small meals throughout the day rather than one large feeding.

Are Dispar Anthias reef safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef safe and will normally leave corals and ornamental invertebrates alone.

What do Dispar Anthias eat?

Offer a varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine seafood and quality marine pellets. Small, frequent meals are ideal.

Common Mistakes

Feeding only once a day
Their high metabolism means they benefit from frequent smaller meals.

Keeping only one fish
Dispar Anthias are social and display more natural behaviour when maintained in a group.

Keeping multiple males
Males can become territorial. A single male with several females is generally the preferred arrangement.

Not providing enough swimming space
They are active midwater swimmers and require plenty of open water.

Adding them to an immature aquarium
Stable water quality, excellent oxygenation and reliable feeding are important for long-term success.