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Dispar Anthias© Rickard Zerpe / CC BY 2.0

Dispar Anthias

The Dispar Anthias is a small, vividly colored fairy basslet in which males display a striking crimson dorsal fin while females show soft orange-to-lavender hues. In the wild they gather in large shoals over shallow outer reef slopes, including waters around the Yaeyama Islands, and they carry that schooling instinct into the aquarium, where keeping several together brings out their liveliest swimming and brightest colors. They're generally peaceful and get along well with other reef fish. Among anthias, this species is considered relatively hardy, though its small size means multiple feedings a day are essential for good color and condition. With a bit of experience, it rewards keepers with long-lasting, eye-catching color.

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About Dispar Anthias

The Dispar Anthias is a small reef fish with red-finned males and orange-to-lavender females. Found near the Yaeyama Islands, it thrives in groups with multiple daily feedings, making it a good pick for intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Dispar Anthias

  1. 1Thrives in Groups

    In the wild, Dispar Anthias form large shoals over shallow outer reef slopes. Keeping several together, rather than a single fish, reduces stress and brings out their natural lively swimming and coloration.

  2. 2Males and Females Differ

    Males show a bright red dorsal fin, while females display orange-to-lavender coloring. Knowing this difference helps when planning the sex ratio in your tank.

  3. 3Feed Several Times Daily

    Being small and highly active, this species needs multiple feedings throughout the day. Insufficient feeding can lead to dull coloration or weight loss, so plan for frequent, small meals.

  4. 4Small, Maxing Around 9.5cm

    Adults reach roughly 9.5cm at most, so this is a compact anthias. While it doesn't need a huge footprint on its own, provide enough open swimming space for a shoal to move together.

  5. 5Hardy Among Anthias

    This species is considered relatively hardy compared to other anthias and tends to be fairly calm. Still, newly introduced fish are sensitive to change, so acclimate them slowly and carefully.

  6. 6Mind Tankmates

    Generally peaceful, it usually mixes well with other reef fish, though minor squabbles can occur within a shoal. When keeping several together, allow extra tank space and hiding spots.

  7. 7Prepare Before Arrival

    Since this species is best kept in groups, set up a tank large enough for several fish along with live rock for shelter before bringing them home. Waiting until water parameters are stable makes for a smoother introduction.

Frequently asked questions about Dispar Anthias

Q.How many should I keep together?
A.Since this species naturally forms shoals, it's best kept in groups rather than alone. A group setup reduces stress and lets you see their natural, lively swimming and coloration.
Q.Can it live with other fish?
A.It's generally peaceful and mixes well with other reef fish. If keeping several together, though, give them extra tank space and hiding spots since minor squabbles can occur within the group.
Q.What should I know about feeding?
A.Being small and active, it needs several feedings spread throughout the day. Feeding too infrequently can lead to dull coloration or weight loss.
Q.How big does it get?
A.Adults reach about 9.5cm at most, making it a compact anthias. It doesn't need a huge tank on its own, but a shoal needs enough open space to swim together.
Q.How difficult is it to keep?
A.This species is considered relatively hardy among anthias and is generally recommended for intermediate keepers. Since group housing and careful feeding routines are important, it's best suited to those with some prior saltwater experience.

Useful tools for Dispar Anthias care

💧Aquarium Volume CalculatorCalculate water volume, weight, and heater wattage from tank dimensions🧪Water Quality CheckerFind compatible fish, shrimp, plants & corals based on pH, temperature & hardness🍽️Feeding GuideCheck feeding frequency, portion sizes & supplements by species and growth stage🤝Compatibility CheckerCheck compatibility between two species on a 5-level scale📊Fish Compatibility MatrixCheck fish compatibility at a glance with our matrix chart🔄Nitrogen Cycle GuideAuto-calculate bacteria colonization timeline for new tank cycling🗓️Seasonal Care CalendarMonthly care events and seasonal management tips at a glance🚿Water Change CalculatorAuto-calculate optimal water change frequency and volume by tank size and fish count🐠Stocking CalculatorCalculate max fish capacity for your tank size with overstocking alerts🏞️Tank Layout PlannerGet substrate, plant & hardscape suggestions based on tank size and style🧮Care Cost SimulatorEstimate initial, monthly & annual costs by category, care level and quantity⚖️Species Comparison ToolCompare two species side by side: care difficulty, size, lifespan & temperature🎯Pet Match DiagnosticAnswer 7 questions to find your top 3 perfect pets🚚Transport Safety CheckerCheck transport safety score and precautions by category, season, method and distance⏱️Quarantine & Acclimation TimerManage quarantine periods and acclimation steps with countdown timers. Includes recommended durations by species

Learn more about Dispar Anthias in the encyclopedia

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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

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