Borbonius Anthias

Description

The Borbonius Anthias, also known as the Blotched Anthias or Checked Swallowtail, is one of the most highly prized and unique deep-water fish available to the aquarium hobbyist. Renowned for its stunning and distinct coloration, this fish is an exquisite centerpiece for a large, established marine system.

Its body displays a beautiful base color ranging from a pale pink or peach to a warm rose, overlaid with striking, irregular blotches of rustic gold or yellow-tan. The fins are often highlighted with a delicate lemon-yellow, and the soft dorsal and caudal (tail) fins may feature elegant trailing filaments, giving it the "Swallowtail" modifier.

As a deep-water species, the Borbonius Anthias prefers an environment that is dimly lit initially and offers plenty of rocky overhangs and caves for shelter. They are a hardy addition once acclimated, making them suitable for the intermediate to experienced aquarist. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial or semi-aggressive towards similar species.

Care Information

Aquarium Requirements

• Tank Setup: A minimum of 125 gallons is recommended due to their adult size and active swimming. They appreciate open water for schooling but require depth for their deep-water origins.
• Aquascaping: Create a habitat with abundant live rock to form numerous caves, crevices, and overhangs. These structures provide essential hiding spots to reduce stress, especially when initially introduced.
• Lighting: Being a deep-water fish, they prefer low to moderate lighting and may be shy under intense illumination. Acclimation to bright reef lights should be done gradually.
• Lid/Cover: A secure, tight-fitting lid is absolutely necessary, as Anthias are known jumpers.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 70° - 78° F (21° - 26° C). Stable temperatures are crucial.
• Salinity/Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.025
• pH: 8.1 - 8.4
• Water Quality: Maintaining pristine water quality with high oxygenation is essential for this species. Robust mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration, as well as a high-quality protein skimmer, are strongly advised.

Feeding & Diet

• High Metabolism: The Borbonius Anthias has a high metabolic rate and must be fed frequently. Feed small portions 2-3 times per day.
• Diet: As a carnivorous planktivore, it requires a diverse and meaty diet to thrive and maintain its vibrant colors.
• Recommended Foods: Varied frozen foods such as enriched Mysis shrimp, enriched Brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality marine pellets or flakes.
• Acclimation: They are typically eager eaters, but if shy, offering live foods like copepods, Artemia, or krill can help encourage feeding until they readily accept prepared foods.

Social Behavior & Tank Mates

• Social Structure: Borbonius Anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites (born female and the dominant fish can change to male). They can be kept singly, in a male/female pair, or in a harem (one male with several females).
• Temperament: They are generally peaceful with most non-anthias fish. However, they can be territorial and aggressive toward other Anthias species and even conspecifics (members of their own species or closely related fish) if the tank is not large enough. Caution is advised when mixing with other Odontanthias or Pseudanthias species.
• Recommended Tank Mates: Peaceful to semi-aggressive fish that will not outcompete them for food or stress them, such as Tangs, Wrasses, and Cardinals. Avoid aggressive predators.