Scribbled Anthias - Pseudoanthias bimaculatus

Scribbled Anthias (Pseudanthias bimaculatus)

The Scribbled Anthias, Pseudanthias bimaculatus, is a striking and highly attractive marine anthias, admired for its rich pink, orange and red colouration, elegant body shape and distinctive two-spot markings. Also known as the Bimaculatus Anthias, Two-Spot Anthias, Twinspot Anthias or Two-Spot Basslet, this species is a beautiful mid-water reef fish that brings colour, movement and natural shoaling behaviour to mature marine aquariums. Like most anthias, it is peaceful, reef safe and active, but it does best in stable systems with regular small feeds, strong oxygenation and carefully chosen tank mates.

Common Name:
Scribbled Anthias, Bimaculatus Anthias, Two-Spot Anthias, Twinspot Anthias, Two-Spot Basslet, Bimac Anthias.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pseudanthias bimaculatus
Also sometimes incorrectly listed in trade spelling as Pseudoanthias bimaculatus.

Maximum Size:
Around 12–14 cm, making it a medium-sized anthias that needs open swimming space and a mature aquarium.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Found across parts of the Indo-West Pacific, including East Africa, the Maldives, Indonesia and surrounding reef regions. In the wild, Scribbled Anthias are associated with deeper coastal reef drop-offs and reef slopes, where they feed in the water column on small planktonic foods. They naturally remain close to reef structure, using rockwork, ledges and deeper reef zones for shelter.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Peaceful to mildly semi-aggressive. Scribbled Anthias are generally suitable for peaceful reef communities, but males may show territorial behaviour towards other anthias or similarly shaped planktivorous fish. They are best kept with peaceful to moderately active marine fish that will not bully them or prevent them from feeding. If keeping a group, provide enough space and ideally keep one male with multiple females where possible.

Diet:
Carnivorous planktivore. In the wild, this species feeds on tiny planktonic foods carried in the current. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, cyclops, copepod-based foods, finely chopped marine foods and high-quality small marine pellets. Several smaller feeds per day are strongly recommended, as anthias have high metabolisms and can lose condition if underfed.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical minimum of around 400 litres is recommended for a single specimen or small group, with larger aquariums preferred for long-term group keeping. Provide open swimming space, mature rockwork, caves, ledges, strong filtration and good water movement.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active mid-water swimmer that spends much of its time hovering above the rockwork and moving through open areas of the aquarium. Scribbled Anthias are social fish and can look impressive in a suitable group, but they require enough space and regular feeding to maintain condition. They may be shy when first introduced, especially if housed with more dominant fish, but usually become more confident once settled. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as anthias can jump when startled.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Scribbled Anthias are considered reef safe and do not normally nip corals, clam mantles or sessile invertebrates. They are an excellent choice for mature reef aquariums, provided they are fed regularly and not housed with aggressive tank mates.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best suited to intermediate to experienced marine fishkeepers. This species should be added to a mature, stable aquarium with strong oxygenation, peaceful tank mates and a reliable feeding routine. Anthias can be delicate during shipping and settling, so careful acclimation and close feeding observation are recommended. Avoid newly set up aquariums, aggressive damsels, large predatory fish or dominant wrasses that may prevent them from feeding confidently. Several smaller feeds per day are preferred over one large feed.

Suitable for:
Intermediate to Experienced fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasionally available in the marine aquarium trade / Availability can vary depending on supplier, size, sex, colour phase and import season

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.