How many Bimaculatus Anthias should I keep together?

It is highly recommended to keep them in a harem of at least four individuals: one male and three or more females. Keeping multiple males will typically result in fatal aggression.

Why is my Anthias losing weight despite eating?

Anthias have incredibly fast metabolisms due to their constant swimming. Even if they are eating, one meal a day is often insufficient. You should increase feeding frequency to three or four small meals daily.

Are Bimaculatus Anthias safe to keep with corals?

Yes, they are completely reef-safe. They feed entirely on planktonic organisms in the water column and will ignore both corals and ornamental invertebrates like shrimp and crabs.

Can females change their sex?

Yes. Anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites. If the male is removed or dies, the largest, most dominant female will undergo a physical and behavioural transformation to become the new male of the group.

What is the best way to acclimate a new Bimaculatus Anthias?

A slow drip acclimation in dim lighting is recommended to reduce stress. A properly established quarantine tank is crucial, as it allows them to adjust to captive diets without competition from established tank mates.

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Bimaculatus Anthias

Pseudanthias bimaculatus

A striking and highly active marine fish known for its intense pinkish-red colouration and the distinctive twin spots on the dorsal fin of males.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.025 SG
Adult size: 10 – 14 cm
for a small harem: 450 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
Diet: Carnivore - requires frequent feedings of marine plankton, mysis shrimp, Calanus, and high-quality pellets.
Water flow: High
Preferred setup: Reef environment with steep rockwork or drop-offs, plenty of open swimming space, and areas of strong current.

About the Bimaculatus Anthias

The Bimaculatus Anthias (Pseudanthias bimaculatus) is a captivating addition to the large reef aquarium. Recognised by the two prominent spots on the male's dorsal fin, this species hails from deeper coastal drop-offs in the Indian Ocean and Indo-West Pacific. Like many of its relatives, it is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning a dominant female will transition into a male if the reigning male is lost.

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Where Bimaculatus Anthias comes from

Native range

Indo-West Pacific, Indian Ocean

Countries / regions

Maldives, Indonesia, Mozambique, Madagascar

Habitat

Deep coastal drop-offs and steep reef slopes, typically found below 30 metres depth.

Often found in deep-water habitats associated with strong currents and rich planktonic life.

Similar species

Lyretail Anthias
Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Bartlett's Anthias
Pseudanthias bartlettorum
Dispar Anthias
Pseudanthias dispar

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Fairy Wrasses
Cirrhilabrus spp.
Active, peaceful reef dwellers that inhabit similar areas but do not compete aggressively for territory.
Great
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Herbivorous and largely ignores planktivorous anthias, making them excellent, colourful companions.
Great
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Bimaculatus Anthias are completely reef-safe and will not predate on ornamental cleaner shrimp.
Great
Other Anthias Species
Pseudanthias spp.
Mixing different anthias species can lead to severe territorial disputes among males unless the aquarium is exceptionally large.
Compatible with caution
Dwarf Lionfish
Dendrochirus spp.
Predatory fish capable of swallowing an anthias whole will view them as food.
Not recommended

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