Borbonius Anthias EXPERT (Odontanthias Borbonius)

Also Known As: Blotchy Anthias, Blotchy Deep Anthias

Compatibility and Behavior
The Borbonius Anthias (Odontanthias borbonius) is one of those deepwater, showpiece rarities. The body is a soft pastel peach to golden-yellow, broken up by irregular lavender to pink blotches scattered across the flanks, finished with a delicately patterned lyre-shaped tail. Large, expressive eyes and slightly elongated fins give the fish an elegant, refined look, and under reef lighting the coloration often shimmers with subtle violet and orange undertones. Where many anthias are hyperactive schoolers, Borbonius move differently. They tend to hover calmly in the midwater or around rock overhangs with an almost floating presence, more dignified than frantic. They're generally considered reef safe, focusing on zooplankton in the water column and leaving corals and clams alone. They can be kept singly, in pairs, or in small groups, and may form loose hierarchies with one individual becoming more dominant over time. Because they come from deeper, dimmer habitats, Borbonius can be sensitive to overly bright lighting and sudden movements. Providing shaded areas and easing them into display lighting tends to make a real difference. The best tankmates are peaceful to moderately assertive reef fish that won't bully them or outcompete them at feeding time.

Aquarium Requirements
A mature, stable reef of at least 80 to 100 gallons is the right starting point, with larger volumes preferred for groups. Aquascape with a mix of open swimming space and plenty of caves, ledges, and shaded overhangs so the fish can hover in gentle current while retreating from bright light when needed. Given their deepwater origin, these anthias usually do better under moderate lighting than under intense high-PAR conditions directly overhead. Strong, well-oxygenated flow and robust filtration go a long way, since they appreciate clean, highly oxygenated water along with multiple small daily feedings of fine, meaty foods. Patient acclimation, slow light acclimation, and a generally calm environment are what separate long-term success from a stressful start with this species. One thing worth knowing: in many cases, Anthias only eat food out of the water column, and once it has fallen to the tank floor they are no longer interested. That makes flow patterns and feeding technique just as important as the food itself.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Sm/Md: 1.5-2", Lg: 2-2.5", XLG: 2.5-3"
Diet: Carnivore/zooplanktivore (mysis, finely chopped seafood, enriched brine, high-quality micro pellets offered several times daily)
Origin: Indo-Pacific (Indonesia and western Indian Ocean deep-reef habitats)
Care Level: Difficult (best for experienced reef aquarists due to deepwater origin and feeding needs)
Reef Safe: Yes (generally safe with corals and clams)
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 80–100 gallons for a single fish; larger systems for groups or harems
Special Considerations: Best displayed in dimmer, deep-reef style aquascapes with plenty of overhangs; sensitive to bright lighting and abrupt movements; requires patient acclimation and multiple small daily feedings