Dispar Anthias 

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Pseudanthias dispar
Common Names: Dispar Anthias, Peach Anthias, Madagascar Anthias
Origin: Indo-Pacific (notably around Madagascar, Indonesia, and the Philippines)
Temperament: Peaceful, social, active mid-water swimmer
Reef Safe: Yes
Adult Size: ~3–4 inches
Lifespan: 5+ years with proper care

Appearance

Dispar Anthias are known for their soft, pastel peach-to-pink coloration. Males often display brighter orange bodies with purplish accents, while females and juveniles are generally lighter in tone. They bring beautiful movement and gentle color contrast to reef aquariums.

Care Requirements

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size:

  • 70–90 gallons for a small group

  • Larger tanks recommended for harems

• Ideal Grouping:

  • Best kept as one male with several females (1:4–6).

  • Females can transition to male if needed, so starting with females is often easiest.

• Aquascape:

  • Provide ample swimming space with rock overhangs/caves for resting and retreat.

• Reef Compatibility:

  • 100% reef safe—won’t bother corals or inverts.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74–78°F

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

• Nitrate: <15–20 ppm preferred

• Flow: Moderate to strong—mimics natural reef currents

Anthias thrive in clean, stable water with regular maintenance.

Diet & Feeding

Dispar Anthias are planktivorous, eating small, meaty foods in the water column. They have high metabolisms and do best with multiple small feedings per day.

Recommended Foods

• Finely chopped mysis shrimp

• Enriched brine shrimp

• Copepods

• Calanus

• High-quality marine micro-pellets

• Reef plankton blends

• Frozen cyclops

Feeding Frequency:

• 2–3x per day minimum

• Automatic feeders with high-quality pellets can help maintain their nutritional needs

Behavior & Compatibility

• Very peaceful—great for community reef tanks

• Do well with other non-aggressive species

• Avoid housing them with large or overly assertive fish (e.g., big wrasses, aggressive tangs)

Anthias appreciate dim morning lighting and will often come out more confidently as lights ramp up.

Sexing & Social Structure

• Anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites (females can become males).

• If kept in a harem, one dominant female will transition into a male over time.

Special Care Tips

• Ensure good oxygenation and moderate-to-high water movement

• Use an auto feeder if you cannot provide frequent feedings

• Quarantine when possible—anthias can be susceptible to parasites when stressed

• Cover the tank well—they can jump when startled