Scribbled Anthias

Scribbled Anthias (Pseudanthias bimaculatus)

Overview

The Scribbled Anthias (Pseudanthias bimaculatus), also commonly referred to as the Two-spot Anthias, is a vibrant and active marine fish native to the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Maldives, and Great Barrier Reef. Recognizable by its striking orange to reddish coloration and distinctive dorsal spots, this anthias is highly social and best kept in small groups to display its natural schooling behavior.

This species is an excellent addition to medium to large reef aquariums, offering dynamic movement, colour, and engaging behavior.

Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (285 litres) for a small group

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025

• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate:< 10 ppm

• Aquascape: Open swimming areas with moderate rockwork and perching spaces

Scribbled Anthias require stable water conditions and sufficient swimming space to thrive and exhibit natural social behavior.

Diet and Feeding

Scribbled Anthias are carnivorous planktivores and require frequent feeding to maintain health and coloration:

• Frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood

• High-quality marine pellets or flakes formulated for carnivorous reef fish

• Feed small portions 2–3 times daily to simulate natural feeding patterns

Frequent feeding is essential due to their high metabolism and active lifestyle.

Temperament and Compatibility

Scribbled Anthias are peaceful and thrive in small harems with one male and multiple females. They are compatible with other non-aggressive reef fish but require sufficient space to reduce stress.

Tankmate Recommendations:

• Suitable: Peaceful tangs, gobies, clownfish, and small wrasses

• Avoid: Large or aggressive predatory fish

Providing open swimming areas with moderate shelter supports natural schooling and reduces stress.

Reef Compatibility

✅ Reef Safe

Scribbled Anthias are reef safe and do not harm corals or sessile invertebrates. Their schooling behavior adds life, movement, and color to reef aquariums.

Additional Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 12 cm (5 inches)

• Lifespan: 5–7 years with proper care

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Natural Behavior: Peaceful, schooling, active swimmer

• Origin: Indo-Pacific reefs, including the Red Sea, Maldives, and Great Barrier Reef

The Scribbled Anthias (Pseudanthias bimaculatus) is a vibrant, active, and visually striking fish that enhances medium to large marine and reef aquariums with colour, movement, and dynamic social behavior. With stable water parameters, frequent feeding, and group housing, it thrives as a long-lived and engaging member of the aquarium community.