Bicolor Anthias

The bicolor anthias takes its name from the colors that divide its body horizontally in two: the upper half is yellow-salmon and the lower half lavender pink. At the front of the males' dorsal fin there are two long yellow-tipped filaments that they raise during display. In the wild it lives in small groups on reef slopes inside lagoons and on outer reefs with currents, above coral outcrops and rock ledges. With a 2022 revision it was moved from Pseudanthias to the genus Nemanthias. Specimens are wild-collected; it is one of the relatively hardy anthias.

• At least 400 liters for a small group; open water above, rocks to shelter in below.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C; high oxygen.
• It may be startled at night; a lid is recommended.
• Reef-safe: It leaves corals and invertebrates alone.

Carnivorous; it picks plankton. Offer frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods and small granule foods in small amounts at least 3 times a day.

Peaceful but somewhat timid; with aggressive tankmates it hides and cannot feed. Males display at each other.

Good companions: Clownfish, fairy wrasses, dwarf angelfish, calm tangs, cardinalfish, gobies.

Avoid: Lionfish, groupers, dottybacks, large hogfish, very fast fish that grab the food.