Common name: Lori's anthias
General information
Lori's Anthias (Pseudanthias lori) is a small, vibrantly colored reef fish known for its striking appearance. Males exhibit a rich purple hue with a red stripe along the body, while females are predominantly red-orange with a purple back. This species is part of the Anthiinae subfamily, which is popular among aquarists for their schooling behavior and dynamic social interactions.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers stable water conditions.
- Diet
- Planktonivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp.
- Social
- Harem Best kept in groups, 1 male to several females.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusAnthiasPseudanthias
- SpeciesLori's anthiasPseudanthias lori (Lubbock & Randall, 1976)
- SynonymsAnthias lori Lubbock & Randall, 1976Mirolabrichthys imeldae Burgess, 1977Mirolabrichthys lori (Lubbock & Randall, 1976)
Care
Lori's Anthias are moderately challenging to keep due to their specific dietary and social requirements. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of swimming space and rockwork for hiding. A varied diet of small meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood, is essential for their well-being. It's also important to feed them multiple times a day due to their high metabolism.
Reproduction
In the wild, Lori's Anthias form harems consisting of one dominant male and several females. If the male perishes, the largest female will undergo a sex change and take his place. In the aquarium, breeding is rare but possible with optimal conditions and a stable social hierarchy.
Habitat
Lori's Anthias are found in the Western Pacific, particularly around the Coral Sea and Fiji. They prefer steep outer reef slopes and are typically observed at depths ranging from 25 to 60 meters. In the aquarium, replicating their natural environment with strong water movement and excellent water quality is crucial for their health.