Bicolor Anthias (Mirolabrichthys Bicolor)

The Bicolor Anthias is a stunningly vibrant reef fish, admired for its bold coloration and schooling behavior. Its body features a striking gradient of pink to orange with subtle accents of yellow and lavender, making it a standout addition to larger reef aquariums. Like many anthias, the Bicolor Anthias thrives in groups and requires frequent feedings to maintain its energy and health. This species is a fantastic choice for experienced aquarists looking for a beautiful yet slightly challenging fish.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 5 inches.
• Tank Size: 90 gallons minimum; larger tanks are recommended for groups, with ample swimming space and rockwork for shelter.
• Diet: Carnivorous; feeds primarily on zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, it requires multiple daily feedings of high-quality frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and finely chopped marine foods. Live foods may be needed initially to encourage feeding.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; best kept in groups of 3 or more, with one male and multiple females to mimic natural harems.
• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced; requires frequent feeding, stable water parameters, and a well-maintained tank environment.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates, making it an excellent visual addition to reef setups.

Special Requirement - Frequent Feedings
The Bicolor Anthias requires frequent, small meals throughout the day to mimic its natural feeding behavior. Failure to provide consistent feedings can lead to malnutrition and stress.

Compatibility
This anthias is peaceful and does well in community reef tanks. Avoid housing it with aggressive or fast-feeding tankmates that may outcompete it for food. It thrives in groups with a dominant male and multiple females to establish a natural hierarchy.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Bicolor Anthias showcases a vibrant blend of pink, orange, and yellow tones, with a subtle gradient across its body. Males are typically more vividly colored than females, especially during courtship displays​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly in deeper reef zones where it forms large schools and feeds on zooplankton. In aquariums, it requires stable water parameters and plenty of swimming space.