Lyretail Anthias
The Lyretail Anthias is one of the most colorful and active schooling fish in the reef aquarium hobby. Males display brilliant orange bodies with vibrant purple or magenta accents on the fins and face, while females have a softer golden-orange hue with a more streamlined profile. Together, they create a stunning contrast and bring constant movement to the tank.
Native to the Indo-Pacific, Lyretail Anthias are peaceful toward most tankmates and do best in small harems, with one male and several females. Interestingly, the dominant female can transition into a male if the existing male is lost.
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Scientific Name: Pseudanthias squamipinnis
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Temperament: Peaceful (can be territorial among males)
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Reef Safe: Yes
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Diet: Carnivore — thrives on frequent small feedings of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality marine pellets
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Care Level: Moderate
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Max Size: Males ~5 inches, Females ~3.5 inches
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Tank Size: 70+ gallons, with open swimming space and rock structures for shelter
Note: Anthias require multiple small feedings per day to stay healthy and vibrant. Best kept in established reef systems with stable water parameters.
