Bicolor Anthias

The Bicolor Anthias is a visually striking species named for its distinctive two-toned coloration. Males exhibit a vivid purple to violet upper body that transitions sharply into a bright golden-yellow lower half, creating a dramatic bicolor effect that is instantly recognizable. Females are more uniformly colored in soft shades of lavender and orange. Reaching approximately 5 inches in length, this is a medium-sized anthias that makes a beautiful addition to larger reef aquariums, though it demands more advanced husbandry skills than some of its relatives.

In the wild, Bicolor Anthias are found along steep outer reef slopes and drop-offs throughout the Indo-Pacific, typically at moderate depths where currents deliver a steady supply of zooplankton. They form loose aggregations with a dominant male presiding over a harem of females. Like all members of the genus Pseudanthias, they are protogynous hermaphrodites, with the most dominant female undergoing a sex change to replace a lost male. This transformation involves dramatic changes in both coloration and behavior over the course of several weeks.

The Bicolor Anthias is classified as an advanced-level species because it can be more challenging to acclimate and maintain than hardier anthias such as the Lyretail or Dispar. It is particularly sensitive during the initial adjustment period and may refuse food for several days after introduction. Once settled, however, it becomes a robust and responsive aquarium inhabitant. Multiple daily feedings of high-quality frozen and prepared foods are essential, and pristine water quality with strong flow replicating its natural current-swept habitat is a must. Keep in groups of one male with several females in a 75-gallon or larger aquarium.