Peach Fairy Basslet

About

The peach fairy basslet (Pseudanthias dispar) is a small but lively anthias from the central and western Pacific, ranging from Christmas Island all the way out to the Line Islands and up through the Yaeyama Islands, with the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, and Samoa rounding out its southern range. In the wild, these fish congregate in large, mixed-sex groups along the upper edges of steep outer reef slopes, hovering in moderate currents and picking zooplankton from the water column. That natural behavior is worth keeping in mind when setting up their tank. They thrive when kept in groups and appreciate good flow. Males display a vivid orange-red coloration along the dorsal fin that contrasts beautifully against the softer peach and pink tones covering the body, while females tend toward a more uniformly warm orange. Like other anthias, this species is a sequential hermaphrodite. If the dominant male is lost, the most dominant female in the group will transition to take his place. They fall into the intermediate care category, mainly because they need regular, varied feedings to stay in good condition and can be sensitive to the initial transition into captivity. Once settled, though, they make a lively and rewarding centerpiece for a well-run reef system.