Peach Fairy Anthias (Mirolabrichthys dispar) Care Guide
Mirolabrichthys dispar, the peach fairy anthias, lives along shallow outer reef slopes with moderate currents in the Pacific.
Overview
Mirolabrichthys dispar (Herre, 1955), the peach fairy anthias, is a small reef fish. FishBase records a maximum total length of 9.5 cm and a preferred temperature range of 22-28 °C. It is listed under the genus Nemanthias in FishBase and as Pseudanthias dispar in WoRMS.
Taxonomy
- Family: Serranidae (Anthiadidae in FishBase)
- Genus: Mirolabrichthys
- Scientific name: Mirolabrichthys dispar (Herre, 1955)
- Combinations: Nemanthias dispar (FishBase), Pseudanthias dispar (WoRMS)
Habitat
According to FishBase the species occurs in the Pacific from Christmas Island and the eastern Indian Ocean to the Line Islands, north to the Yaeyama Islands and south to the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji and Samoa. It inhabits the upper edge of steep outer reef slopes with moderate currents, at depths of about 0 to 18 m. FishBase notes that Pseudanthias ignitus replaces this species in the Indian Ocean.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (about 106 gal) (KB record)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness range (record): 8-12 °dGH
- School size: at least 5 individuals (KB record)
- Lifespan: 4-10 years (KB record)
Diet
The KB record classifies this species as a carnivore, and FishBase reports a trophic level near 3.3. As a planktivorous anthias it benefits from frequent small feedings in aquaria.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, mid-water schooling species. Suitable companions include tangs, wrasses, clownfish and Genicanthus angelfish, while aggressive damselfish and triggerfish should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 11 March 2015. The species is commercially important for both fisheries and the aquarium trade.