Orange Lyretail Anthia Female (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)

Max Size: 5 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

The Lyretail Anthias is renowned as the social butterfly of marine aquariums, bringing a lively and captivating presence to the tank. Its high activity level also has the benefit of drawing out shier fish that share the same environment. This eye-catching fish is alternatively known as the Scalefin, and its male counterparts boast bright red coloration with varying hues, while the females tend to exhibit a more orange coloration.

To ensure the well-being of the Lyretail Anthias, it is recommended to keep them in a group within a species-specific aquarium that is at least 125 gallons in size. Male Lyretail Anthias are best suited to be kept alone or accompanied by several females. Although they predominantly occupy the middle region of the aquarium, providing multiple hiding spots is appreciated by these fish.

Similar to other Anthias species, the Lyretail Anthias displays the fascinating trait of being hermaphroditic. If a dominant male perishes, the largest female in the group can undergo changes and transform into a male, taking his place as the new dominant figure.

To maintain their health, a varied diet is essential for the Lyretail Anthias once they have acclimated to their new aquarium. This should include offerings of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched frozen brine shrimp, and over time, they may also accept high-quality flake foods, provided in small quantities throughout the day. Additionally, an attached refugium that cultivates copepods and amphipods serves as a valuable source of nutritious live food, ensuring that these active planktivores stay content and well-nourished.