Description
Borbonius Anthias – Holoanthias borbonius
Holoanthias borbonius, known as the Borbonius Anthias or Blotchy Deep Sea Anthias, is a highly sought-after deepwater species admired for its delicate pastel pink body speckled with luminous golden spots. Calm and regal in nature, this anthias inhabits steep outer reef slopes where sunlight fades to twilight blue. Its rarity, gentle movement, and striking coloration make it a centerpiece specimen in any refined marine collection.
Origin: Western Pacific and Indian Ocean – Japan, Indonesia, and the Maldives
Depth: 100–200 m (330–660 ft)
Lighting: Low to moderate (avoid intense light; thrives under dim or blue-spectrum illumination)
Flow: Moderate to strong, replicating the steady upcurrents of deep reef slopes
Tank Placement: Mid to lower water column with shaded rockwork and overhangs
Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
Salinity: 1.022–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Diet: Carnivorous planktivore – requires multiple small daily feedings of mysis shrimp, copepods, enriched plankton, and finely minced seafood
Temperament: Peaceful; best kept singly or as a small harem (one male with several females)
Size: Up to 13 cm (5 inches)
Care Level: Advanced – sensitive to sudden light exposure and parameter shifts; thrives in mature, oxygen-rich systems
Compatibility: Ideal for calm, established reef aquariums with non-aggressive tankmates; avoid boisterous or highly territorial species
Collector’s Note: Holoanthias borbonius is one of the crown jewels of deepwater anthias—rarely available due to extreme collection depths exceeding 100 m. Each specimen undergoes specialized decompression and handling, making it a prized addition to exclusive “Collector’s Corner” displays for advanced aquarists and connoisseurs of marine rarity.
