Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar) Care Guide
Pseudanthias dispar is a schooling Pacific anthias that feeds on zooplankton along outer reef slopes.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pseudanthias dispar is a small reef anthias of the family Serranidae (subfamily Anthiinae). According to FishBase it reaches about 9.5 cm in total length and occurs in the Pacific Ocean. It forms large aggregations of mixed sexes when feeding in currents along outer reef slopes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Serranidae (subfamily Anthiinae)
- Genus: Pseudanthias
- Scientific name: Pseudanthias dispar
- Note: FishBase currently places this species in Nemanthias dispar, family Anthiadidae
Habitat
FishBase records this species from the Pacific Ocean, from Christmas Island 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 0 to 18 m, typically 1 to 15 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (about 106 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness range (record): 8-12 °dGH
- Group size: keep in groups (record suggests 5 or more)
- Lifespan: 4-10 years (KB record)
Diet
As a member of the genus Pseudanthias, this species is a zooplankton feeder; Wikipedia notes that the genus has a diet centred on zooplankton consumption. In aquaria several small feedings per day of meaty planktonic foods are needed to maintain condition.
Compatibility
Pseudanthias are haremic, active mid-water swimmers. According to Wikipedia the genus is haremic and protogynous, with individuals developing first as females and the dominant fish changing into a male. The KB record lists tangs, wrasses, clownfish and Genicanthus angelfish as suitable companions, while aggressive damsels and triggers are best avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2015.
Breeding the Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar)
Overview
Pseudanthias dispar (family Serranidae), the dispar anthias, is a reef fish reaching about 9.5 cm total length that lives along the upper edge of steep outer reef slopes with moderate currents at depths of about 1-15 m. FishBase notes it occurs in large mixed-sex aggregations when feeding in currents sweeping the reef, and Wikipedia describes the genus Pseudanthias as zooplankton-feeding and haremic.
Sexing
Like other anthias, this species is a protogynous hermaphrodite: individuals mature first as females, and a female changes into a male when the dominant male is lost from the harem. Males are typically larger and more intensely coloured, which is the practical cue to sex within a group.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Anthias form harems led by a single dominant male and spawn as pelagic broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column above the reef where the buoyant eggs and resulting larvae drift as plankton. There is no nest and no parental care of the eggs.
Common Challenges
The combination of a strong-current schooling habitat, a high zooplankton feeding demand, pelagic eggs and a long planktonic larval phase means the open-water spawning conditions and continuous tiny live-food supply cannot realistically be reproduced in a home aquarium.