Odontanthias borbonius, commonly known as the Checked Swallowtail, is a captivating species of anthias fish often found in saltwater aquariums. Renowned for their striking appearance and relatively peaceful nature, these fish are a popular choice for experienced aquarists.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: The Checked Swallowtail boasts a vibrant color palette, typically featuring shades of red, orange, and yellow. Their most distinguishing feature is the distinctive checked pattern on their fins and body.
• Habitat: In the wild, these fish inhabit deep coral reefs, where they form small harems.
• Size: They can grow up to about 10 centimeters in length.

Aquarium Keeping

• Tank Size: Due to their natural habitat, a spacious aquarium with plenty of live rock and hiding places is ideal. A minimum tank size of 120 gallons is recommended.
• Water Parameters: Maintain stable water conditions with parameters similar to their natural environment. This includes specific gravity, temperature, and pH levels.
• Diet: Odontanthias borbonius are carnivorous and primarily feed on small crustaceans. A varied diet of high-quality frozen foods is essential.
• Compatibility: While generally peaceful, they can become aggressive if kept with overly dominant fish. They are best kept in a species-specific tank or with other peaceful, non-aggressive fish.

Unique Qualities

• Hermaphroditism: Odontanthias borbonius are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start as females and can change sex to male if there is no dominant male in the group.
• Deep-Water Origins: As they originate from deep waters, they may require cooler water temperatures compared to other reef fish.

Challenges

• Availability: Due to their deep-water habitat, they can be more challenging to find and may be more expensive than other anthias species.
• Sensitivity: They can be sensitive to poor water quality and rapid changes in their environment.