Bicolor Anthias

The Bicolor Anthias (Nemanthias bicolor) is a reef-associated anthias from the Indo-Pacific that’s best known for its two-tone look: a violet-to-lavender body with a distinct yellow back and tail. In the aquarium, it typically stays in the water column above rockwork, giving your reef constant midwater movement.

What You’ll Observe:

• Hovering and circling in open water, then gliding back to ledges and overhangs
• Quick “dart and grab” feeding strikes in the water column
• A consistent day-time routine with regular laps around a preferred area
• Social posturing that becomes more organized once it settles in

Provide open swimming space plus shaded ledges and caves so it can move between open water and cover. Offer a variety of small foods on a consistent schedule to match its natural zooplankton-feeding style, and in larger systems it can be kept as a structured group (one male with multiple females).

Will females turn into a male?
Yes’this species is protogynous, and the dominant fish can transition when a male is absent.

How is it different from a Bartlett’s Anthias?
Mislabels happen; the bicolor’s yellow “saddle/back” and more violet body tone are key tells.

Do they tend to pick on other anthias?
They can be feisty toward similar planktivores, especially other anthias, so spacing and a clear “pecking order” matter.

Is it normal if it claims one overhang area?
Yes’many keepers report a favorite ledge/zone that it repeatedly returns to as a home base.

Do anthias generally do better with frequent feedings?
Many hobbyists run multiple daily feedings (often mixing frozen foods and small pellets) to keep anthias active and consistent at mealtime.

We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.