Common name: Lyretail Anthias

Care

The Lyretail Anthias thrives in aquariums that mimic its natural reef environment. A tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and perching is essential, along with open swimming spaces to accommodate its active nature. This species prefers stable water conditions and benefits from moderate to strong water flow, which replicates the currents of its natural habitat.

A minimum tank size of 300 liters (80 gallons) is recommended for a small group, as these fish are highly social and should be kept in harems consisting of one male and several females. This setup not only mimics their natural social structure but also reduces stress and aggression. It’s important to provide a peaceful environment, as Lyretail Anthias can be shy and may struggle in tanks with overly aggressive tank mates.

Diet and Feeding

In the wild, Lyretail Anthias are planktivores, feeding on zooplankton carried by the currents. In captivity, they require a varied diet to stay healthy and maintain their vibrant coloration. Offer a mix of high-quality frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, along with enriched flake or pellet foods designed for marine fish.

Frequent feeding is crucial, as these fish have high metabolisms. Feed them small portions two to three times a day, ensuring that all individuals in the group have access to food. A well-fed Lyretail Anthias will display more vivid colors and exhibit more natural behaviors.

Behavior and Compatibility

Lyretail Anthias are peaceful and social fish, making them excellent candidates for community reef tanks. They thrive in groups, with a dominant male leading a harem of females. This social structure is essential for their well-being, as solitary individuals may become stressed or withdrawn.

While generally peaceful, males can exhibit territorial behavior, especially towards other males or similarly shaped fish. To minimize aggression, it’s best to keep only one male per tank. They are compatible with a wide range of reef-safe fish and invertebrates, but avoid housing them with overly aggressive species that may outcompete them for food or harass them.

Reproduction

Lyretail Anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning all individuals are born female, and the dominant individual in a group will transition to male. This fascinating reproductive strategy ensures the stability of their social structure. In captivity, breeding is challenging but possible in large, well-maintained tanks. The male will court females through a series of displays, and eggs are released into the water column, requiring a separate rearing setup for the fry.

Health and Common Issues

With proper care, Lyretail Anthias can live up to 5-7 years in captivity. Maintaining stable water parameters, a varied diet, and a stress-free environment are key to their health. When selecting specimens, look for active individuals with vibrant coloration and no signs of disease, such as frayed fins or abnormal swimming behavior.

Common health issues include stress-related illnesses and nutritional deficiencies. Quarantine new additions and provide a high-quality diet to minimize risks. Regular water changes and monitoring of water quality are essential to prevent diseases such as ich and bacterial infections.

Habitat

Lyretail Anthias are native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, Maldives, and Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often found at depths ranging from 10 to 50 meters (35 to 165 feet). These fish prefer areas with strong currents that bring a steady supply of plankton, their primary food source. Replicating these conditions in captivity will help them thrive.