Deep Dive into the Rare Blotched Anthias.
Biology
The Barbonious Anthias: A Stunning Fish of the Coral Reefs
The Barbonious Anthias (Pseudanthias barbatus) is a vibrant and stunning fish that belongs to the Serranidae family. It is commonly found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including the Red Sea. This fish has earned its place in the aquarium trade for its captivating beauty, active behavior, and relatively peaceful temperament.
Physical Appearance
The Barbonious Anthias has a deep, laterally compressed body with a pointed snout and forked tail fin. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length and has a striking coloration. The males of this species have a bright, iridescent red-pink body with a contrasting bright yellow dorsal fin and tail fin. They also have a small orange patch at the base of their pectoral fins. The females have a slightly duller appearance with a pale pink body and yellow dorsal and tail fins.
In the wild, the Barbonious Anthias forms schools of females led by a dominant male. When threatened, the school disperses and each fish seeks shelter within the coral reef. In the aquarium, they may show similar behavior, forming a hierarchy with the dominant male taking the lead.
Habitat and Range
The Barbonious Anthias is found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, and stretches from the east coast of Africa to the western Pacific Ocean. It inhabits coral reefs, living in waters up to 200 feet (60 meters) deep.
Care
Tank size: Barbonious anthias require a large tank, ideally a minimum of 100 gallons. This is because they are active swimmers and need plenty of space to move around.
Water parameters: They require a stable water temperature between 72-78°F, pH level between 8.1-8.4, and salinity between 1.020-1.025.
Lighting: Barbonious anthias prefer moderate to high lighting levels in the aquarium.
Tankmates: They are generally peaceful fish but may be intimidated by larger, more aggressive fish. It's best to keep them with other peaceful species.
Diet: Barbonious anthias are carnivores and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of fish or shrimp.
Water quality: It's important to maintain excellent water quality in the aquarium through regular water changes, adequate filtration, and proper feeding.
Acclimation: It's important to acclimate the fish slowly to its new environment. This can be done by slowly adding water from the aquarium to the bag the fish came in over a period of about 30 minutes before releasing the fish into the tank.
Overall, keeping a Barbonious anthias requires a well-maintained aquarium and a good understanding of their care requirements.
Why are they expensive?
Wild-caught vs. captive-bred: Barbonious anthias are often wild-caught, meaning they are captured from their natural habitat and imported into the aquarium trade. This process can be expensive, and the fish may be subject to additional fees, taxes, and permits. On the other hand, captive-bred barbonious anthias can be more expensive due to the time, effort, and resources required to breed and raise them.
Rarity: Barbonious anthias are not as common as some other aquarium fish, and they can be difficult to find. When demand is high and supply is low, prices can go up.
Quality: The price of a barbonious anthias may also reflect its quality. High-quality fish may have brighter colors, be healthier, and have a better chance of surviving in captivity. These fish may be more expensive than lower-quality specimens.
Transportation: Barbonious anthias are delicate fish that require careful handling and transportation. The cost of shipping and handling can add to the overall price of the fish.
However with our great sources we are providing a very low price (at the moment) compared to their normal $700-$800 price range.
Ethics, aquirement and sustainability of the Blotched Anthias.
The ethical concerns surrounding the capture of barbonious anthias, as well as other aquarium fish, have been the subject of much debate and scrutiny. While some fish are caught using sustainable and responsible methods, others are not. The fishing methods used can vary greatly from country to country, and it can be difficult to determine whether a particular fish was captured ethically.
Some fishermen use destructive methods such as cyanide or dynamite to stun and capture fish, which can harm not only the targeted fish but also other marine life and the coral reefs where the fish live. These methods are not considered ethical, and their use can contribute to environmental damage and the decline of fish populations.
However, there are also responsible fishermen and suppliers who use sustainable and ethical methods to catch and transport aquarium fish. These methods include using nets and traps that do not harm the fish or the environment, as well as adhering to regulations and laws that protect marine life.
As a responsible aquarium hobbyist, it's important for all of us to do our research and only purchase fish from reputable suppliers who use ethical and sustainable methods. You can also support efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices and the protection of marine environments.
We dive deep into where we source our fish from! Fortunately There are several aquaculture facilities and hobbyists who breed barbonious anthias in captivity. Some of the companies that are known to breed barbonious anthias include Bali Aquarich, ORA (Oceans, Reefs & Aquariums), and Biota Aquaculture. These companies specialize in breeding a variety of marine fish and invertebrates for the aquarium trade, and they often use advanced aquaculture techniques to ensure the health and quality of their livestock. Additionally, there are some hobbyists who also successfully breed barbonious anthias in their home aquariums, although this requires a high level of skill and experience. Captive breeding can help to reduce the pressure on wild populations and support the long-term sustainability of the species
All of our Blotched Anthias are captive bred
Organizations that help with sustainability
efforts for blotched anthias include:
The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL): CORAL is a non-profit organization that works to protect coral reefs and the marine life they support, including species like blotched anthias. They work with local communities to promote sustainable fishing practices and conservation of coral reef habitats.
The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization that works to protect biodiversity and habitats around the world, including coral reefs. They have several programs and initiatives focused on marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): The IUCN is a global organization that works to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature. They have a Species Survival Commission that focuses on the conservation of threatened species, including marine species like blotched anthias.
The Marine Aquarium Council (MAC): The MAC is a non-profit organization that works to promote sustainable practices in the marine aquarium trade. They have established standards and certification programs to ensure that aquarium fish are sourced responsibly and sustainably, which can help to protect species like blotched anthias.
The Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF): REEF is a non-profit organization that works to conserve marine environments and their inhabitants, including coral reefs and the fish that live there. They conduct research, education, and conservation programs focused on reef ecosystems and the species that depend on them, such as blotched anthias.
