Common name: Lyretail anthias

General information

The Lyretail Anthias, also known as the Scalefin Anthias, is a vibrant and active fish that adds a splash of color to any reef aquarium. Pseudanthias squamipinnis is a small, peaceful species that is popular among aquarists for its bright orange and pink hues, with males exhibiting a more pronounced lyre-shaped tail and deeper coloration.

In the wild, these fish form large schools, with a single dominant male and numerous females. If the male perishes, the largest female will often change sex to become the new dominant male, a fascinating example of sequential hermaphroditism.

Care

Lyretail Anthias are best kept in groups to mimic their natural schooling behavior, ideally with one male to several females. They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of swimming space and hiding places among live rock. These fish are planktivores, so a diet of small, meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, fed multiple times a day, is essential for their well-being.

Reproduction

Breeding Lyretail Anthias in captivity can be challenging. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. The eggs are buoyant and will drift with the currents until hatching. Raising the larvae requires specialized equipment and food, such as rotifers and later, baby brine shrimp.

Habitat

Pseudanthias squamipinnis is found in coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific region. They prefer the upper parts of the reef, where they can be seen swimming in large aggregations, feeding on zooplankton. Their depth range is typically from just below the surface to about 20 meters deep.