Borbonius (Blotchy) Anthias

The Borbonius (Blotchy) Anthias (Odontanthias borbonius) is a deepwater anthias known for a pale pink body with yellow facial bands and irregular yellow blotches along the flanks. It’s seen as a single focal fish or as part of a carefully introduced small group in larger reef aquariums.

What You’ll Observe:

• Regular midwater “hovering” with short swims out from overhangs and ledges
• Feeding from the water column once it learns your tank’s feeding schedule
• More open-water swimming during calmer periods when the tank is settled
• A consistent routine of returning to the same rockwork zones between meals

Provide rockwork with shaded caves and swim-throughs so it can choose open water or cover throughout the day. Offer small meaty foods plus quality pellets in multiple small feedings for best long-term conditioning. A tight-fitting lid and steady flow help it settle into a predictable daily pattern.

Do Borbonius Anthias look different as they grow?
Smaller specimens can show greener tones in the blotching and the overall patterning can look cleaner or more contrasted as the fish matures.

Will it spend most of its time hiding?
Many keepers report it uses caves and overhangs as “home base,” then spends more time out in the water column once it’s familiar with the tank routine.

Can I keep just one, or should I plan on a pair/group?
Singles are commonly kept as a centerpiece fish, while pairs or small groups are usually introduced together with extra space and multiple retreat zones to spread out interactions.

Does it need lower lighting?
It’s a deepwater species, so providing shaded areas and overhangs gives it a comfortable zone even under bright reef lighting.

Why do hobbyists emphasize “conditioned and eating” before purchase?
Because it’s sourced from deeper reefs, many aquarists prioritize specimens that have been observed eating prepared foods and holding a steady swimming posture before they’re moved into a display tank.

Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.