The Borbonius Anthias (Odontanthias borbonius), also known as the Spotted Anthias, Checked Anthias , or Blotchy Anthias, are true beauties of the sea and deeply loved by both reef and anthias enthusiasts everywhere. While not inexpensive, this small (to 15 cm or about 6 inches) fish is a real beauty to behold and, given the right environment and husbandry, it is not exceptionally difficult to keep.
While it can be found in the Indo-Pacific from South Africa to Palau to Indonesia, it is most commonly associated with the rocky reefs of subtropical Japan (hence the common name Japanese Borbonius Anthias) where they are most commonly collected at depths of between 60 and 90 meters.
With a pink background covered with blotchey golden markings they make for an unforgetable addition to your aquarium. Because anthias require more feeding than many other species of marine aquarium fishes, it is generally advisable to provide hefty filtration including an excellent protein skimmer. Keeping the water quality high and stable will go a long way to reducing stress. Any aquarium housing anthias should be covered, as many species are known jumpers.
Anthias should only be housed with other peaceful community fishes. Generally considered reef compatible, anthias will leave all sessile invertebrates alone, although they may be harmed by larger invertebrates such as some anemones (e.g., carpet anemones (Stichodactyla spp.), corkscrew anemones (Macrodactyla doreensis)). As adults, this anthias species may also eat some invertebrates such as ornamental shrimp.