{"product_id":"borbonius-blotchy-anthias-w_fish072826-09","title":"Borbonius (Blotchy) Anthias","description":"\u003ch2\u003eIntroduction to Saltwater Anthias\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\nAnthias are vibrant, mid-water schooling fish that bring movement and color to reef aquariums. Found in tropical reefs across the Indo-Pacific, these fish thrive in large, well-oxygenated tanks with plenty of open swimming space. Anthias are known for their social structure, with groups typically consisting of a dominant male and multiple females. Given proper care, they are peaceful, reef-safe, and active additions to community tanks.\n\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\nCare Level: Moderate to Difficult\nMinimum Tank Size: 75 – 150+ gallons\nSmaller species (e.g., Dispar, Bartlett’s) – 75+ gallons\nLarger species (e.g., Lyretail, Sunburst) – 125+ gallons\nAquarium Setup: Requires open swimming space, high water flow, and plenty of hiding spots in rockwork to support natural schooling behavior.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Nutrition\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003e\nDiet: Carnivorous – Requires frequent feedings due to their high metabolism\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Foods:\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\nSmall frozen foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, plankton)\nHigh-quality marine pellets and flakes\nEnriched frozen or live copepods for variety\nAnthias should be fed at least 2-3 times per day to maintain their energy levels and vibrant coloration. An automatic feeder can help ensure consistent feedings.\n\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLifespan \u0026amp; Growth Rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\nLifespan: 5-10+ years\nGrowth Rate: Moderate – Can reach adult size within 1-2 years\nAnthias require a stable, well-maintained environment to reach their full lifespan. Frequent small feedings and low stress levels contribute significantly to their health.\n\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\nTemperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive – Best kept in groups with a dominant male and multiple females\nReef Safe? Yes – Safe for corals and invertebrates\nAnthias are social fish that thrive in small groups. If kept singly, they may become stressed and less active. Introducing them in groups and providing adequate space helps reduce aggression among individuals.\n\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCommon Challenges \u0026amp; Considerations\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003e\nHigh Metabolism: Requires multiple small feedings per day to stay healthy.\nSexual Transition: Anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning the dominant female will transition into a male if no male is present.\nShy Behavior: Can be timid when first introduced—placing them with peaceful tankmates helps them settle in.\nOxygenation Needs: Prefers strong water movement and well-oxygenated tanks, making a good skimmer and powerheads essential.\nWater Conditions\nTemperature: 74-80°F\ndKH (Alkalinity): 8-12\npH: 8.1-8.4\nSpecific Gravity: 1.020-1.025\nStable oxygen levels and water movement are crucial for their long-term health.\n\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eColor Varieties \u0026amp; Popular Species\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\nAnthias are available in a variety of bright colors, with many species displaying sexual dimorphism, where males and females have distinct color patterns. Some of the most popular species include:\n\nLyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) – Bright orange\/red females, deep purple\/yellow males\nBartlett’s Anthias (Pseudanthias bartlettorum) – Vibrant yellow and pink, active swimmers\nDispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar) – Small, reddish-pink body with orange highlights\nSunburst Anthias (Serranocirrhitus latus) – More solitary, deep golden-orange coloration\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52140538822954,"sku":"w_fish072826.09","price":639.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-fish-borbonius-blotchy-anthias-1251507980.jpg?v=1785352693","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/borbonius-blotchy-anthias-w_fish072826-09","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}