Lyretail Anthias Female

The Lyretail Anthias, *Pseudanthias squamipinnis*, is a captivating and active schooling fish that adds a splash of vibrant color to the marine aquarium. Males are typically a brilliant fuchsia or purple with an elongated lyre-shaped tail, while females and juveniles are a striking orange or yellow. As they mature, the dominant female in a group will transition into a male.

A minimum tank size of 70 gallons is recommended to provide ample swimming space for a small school of Lyretail Anthias. They thrive in a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock offering numerous hiding places and crevices. While generally peaceful, they are best kept with other non-aggressive fish. They are considered reef-safe, posing no threat to corals or invertebrates.

Lyretail Anthias are planktivores and require multiple feedings throughout the day to maintain their health and vibrant coloration. Their diet should consist of a variety of high-quality marine foods such as enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other meaty preparations. They will also readily accept high-quality flake and pellet foods designed for marine fish. In the aquarium, they typically reach a size of about 5 inches. Breeding in captivity is rare.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Pseudanthias squamipinnis
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe
• Region of Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Maximum Adult Size: 6"
• Recommended Tank Size: 75 gallons