Also Known As: Redfin Anthias, Peach Fairy Basslet

Compatibility and Behavior
The Dispar Anthias (Pseudanthias dispar) saves its most eye-catching feature for the male: a tall, flat, deep scarlet dorsal fin that flares like a banner during display, backed by iridescent blue to purple trim along every fin edge and greatly extended ventral fins. The body is a soft peach to orange grading into a paler yellowish tail, and both sexes carry a narrow purple-edged orange stripe from the snout through the lower eye toward the pectoral base. Females are the softer peach-orange form without the red banner. This is a fish best appreciated in motion, since much of its beauty comes from flashes of iridescence under good lighting and heavy flow rather than in a still photo. In the wild these fish gather in enormous schools above shallow reef crests, holding position in the current and darting for passing zooplankton, and those big aggregations are built from smaller harems of one male and seven to eleven females. They're completely reef safe and make outstanding dither fish, their constant open-water activity signaling safety and coaxing shyer tankmates out of hiding. They're peaceful toward other species, ideally kept in a group with one male with a minimum of three females and even better, seven to ten, added simultaneously. Isolated individuals tend to fare poorly. Good companions include clownfish, chromis, cardinalfish, royal grammas, firefish, and peaceful wrasses, while aggressive dottybacks and bullying angels are poor matches. One practical advantage: because they grab fast-moving plankton without much inspection in the wild, they typically transition to frozen and then pellet foods more readily than most Anthias.

Aquarium Requirements
A mature tank of 75 to 90 gallons with at least a four-foot footprint suits a small harem of one male and three or four females, while a group of six or more calls for 125 gallons or greater. Interestingly, taller tanks work well here, since these fish largely swim in place, so a 90 or 110 tall makes a good display provided the flow is adequate. Prioritize a broad open swimming lane through the middle and upper water column, backed by live rock with caves and overhangs for nighttime retreat. Flow is one of the biggest factors in keeping them thriving, with turnover around 20 times the tank volume recommended and broad turbulent patterns beating harsh direct jets. Unlike most Anthias, this shallow-water species tolerates and even prefers bright lighting, making it a natural fit for SPS displays. Running the tank in the low to mid 70s holds more oxygen and reduces stress. Feeding drives success. One thing worth knowing: in many cases Anthias only eat food drifting in the water column and lose interest once it settles, so their constant activity and small stomachs demand three to five small meals daily, with an automatic feeder covering midday gaps and a refugium producing copepods for continuous grazing. A tight-fitting lid is essential, since darting Anthias are well-documented jumpers.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Sm/Md: 1.5–2.5", Lg: 2.5–3.5"
Diet: Carnivore and planktivore; frozen mysis, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, copepods, cyclops, and finely chopped prawn or krill, with quality micro pellets accepted quickly, fed 3–5 small meals daily
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Peaceful
Special Considerations: A fast-metabolism planktivore that thrives on 3–5 small daily feedings and often eats only from the water column, so a refugium-supported system helps.Provide a tight-fitting lid, as it's a known jumper.