Odontanthias borbonius is one of the more striking deepwater anthias available to the hobby, built on a distinctly high, deep body rather than the slender profile of open-water species. The base color ranges from pale pink to reddish-orange and is broken by irregular tan, yellow, or yellow-brown blotches, with yellowish fins completing the pattern. Adults reach approximately 6 inches. Its range spans the Indo-Pacific, from southern Africa through the western Pacific and north to Japan, where it occupies deep rocky and coral-reef terrain and stays close to caves rather than hovering in the water column.

Adult housing should begin at 100 gallons, with open swimming lanes paired against substantial rockwork. Build in caves, cracks, crevices, and shaded overhangs so the fish always has a secure resting place within easy reach. Because this species comes from depth, start with subdued lighting and raise intensity slowly; even a settled specimen often favors the dimmest corners of a brightly lit reef, so shaded structure matters as much as total volume. Maintain excellent, well-oxygenated water quality in an established system, and fit the aquarium with a tight-fitting lid, as this anthias is capable of jumping.