Bicolor Anthias, also known as the Yellowback Basslet, is a type of marine fish. Its scientific name is Pseudanthias bicolor.
It belongs to the Serranidae family, which includes groupers and sea basses.
This fish lives in the Indo-Pacific Ocean and can sometimes be found in aquariums.
It usually lives in lagoon reefs or on outer reef slopes near the coast.
Bicolor anthias prefers areas with strong currents and can swim close to the ocean floor.
This fish typically forms small groups around coral or near crevices and ledges. It’s safe for reef tanks.
Bicolor Anthias Interesting Facts
- Bicolor anthias inhabits the Indo-Pacific Ocean and thrives in tropical climates with strong currents.
- It prefers depths of 5 to 50 meters near coral reefs and forms small groups around them.
- Males grow up to 13 cm long and have distinct yellow-tipped threads on the dorsal fin for display.
- Both gender feature elongated dorsal spines and a crescent-shaped tail fin.
Bicolor Anthias Habitat
Bicolor anthias inhabit the Indo-Pacific region, from Mauritius to Hawaii and the Line Islands, as far north as the Ryukyu Islands, and south to the Loyalty Islands.
You can also find it in Marshall and Caroline Islands in Micronesia. This fish lives in marine environments near coral reefs.
It swims at depths of 5 to 68 meters (16 to 223 feet), but mostly stays between 5 to 50 meters (16 to 164 feet).
Bicolor anthias prefers water temperatures between 71°F to 81°F (22°C to 27°C) and thrives in tropical climates around latitudes of 28°N to 22°S.
| Water Temperature: | 71°F to 81°F (22°C to 27°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Bicolor Anthias Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters)
Bicolor anthias can grow up to 13 cm (5.1 inches) long. This fish has 10 dorsal spines, 16 to 18 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 7 to 8 anal soft rays.
Males have two yellow-tipped threads on their dorsal fin for display. The upper half of this fish is yellow-orange, while the lower half is lavender pink.
Its body depth is about 3 times smaller than its length. Male bicolor anthias have a thicker and slightly pointed upper lip.
Adult females have an extended third dorsal spine. Both genders of this fish have elongated second and third dorsal spines and a crescent-shaped tail fin with thin tips.
Bicolor Anthias Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Serranidae |
| Genus: | Pseudanthias |
| Scientific Name: | Pseudanthias bicolor |
| Also Known As: | Bicolor Anthias, Yellowback Basslet |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |