Lyretail Anthias - Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)
The Lyretail Anthias is one of the most popular and eye-catching anthias species in the marine hobby, prized for its constant mid-water movement and strong sexual colour differences. Males are typically brighter red to pinkish-purple, while females are more orange to golden-orange. In the wild, this species forms large aggregations above coral outcrops and outer reef slopes, feeding on zooplankton in the water column. In aquaria it adds excellent movement and colour, but it does best in a mature system with regular feeding and plenty of swimming room.
Common Name:
Lyretail Anthias. It is also commonly known as the Sea Goldie, Scalefin Anthias or Wreck Fish.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Maximum Size:
Up to 13 cm in captivity.
Water Type:
Marine.
Origin / Natural Habitat:
Found across the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and South Africa east to Niue, north to Japan and south to Australia. Adults are typically found above coral outcrops, patch reefs, channels, clear lagoons and outer reef slopes, where they often form large groups in the water column.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
Temperament:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive. This is a social species, but males can be territorial and haremic, and there can be hierarchy-related aggression if groups are kept in too little space.
Diet:
Carnivorous planktivore. In the wild it feeds on zooplankton. In captivity it should be offered a varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, copepods and other small meaty marine foods, ideally in multiple small feedings per day.
Minimum Tank Size:
475 litres minimum. Larger aquaria are preferable for groups.
Behaviour & Activity:
An active mid-water swimmer that brings constant movement to the aquarium. It generally does best in a group, with one male and multiple females in larger systems, while smaller aquaria are better suited to a single specimen or a pair. It also appreciates hiding places within rockwork, and like other anthias it is protogynous, meaning females can transition to male.
Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
This species is widely regarded as suitable for reef aquaria. It is commonly sold as reef compatible, though it should still be kept well fed and given suitable tankmates.
Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a well-established marine aquarium with plenty of swimming space and rockwork, caves, cracks and crevices for shelter. This species should be fed several times daily, and a tight-fitting lid is strongly recommended because anthias can jump.
Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers. Multiple retailer care references rate it as moderate rather than beginner-level, mainly because of its feeding needs and preference for a mature, stable system.
Availability:
Regular in trade.
All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
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Lyretail Anthias - Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Lyretail Anthias - Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)
The Lyretail Anthias is one of the most popular and eye-catching anthias species in the marine hobby, prized for its constant mid-water movement and strong sexual colour differences. Males are typically brighter red to pinkish-purple, while females are more orange to golden-orange. In the wild, this species forms large aggregations above coral outcrops and outer reef slopes, feeding on zooplankton in the water column. In aquaria it adds excellent movement and colour, but it does best in a mature system with regular feeding and plenty of swimming room.
Common Name:
Lyretail Anthias. It is also commonly known as the Sea Goldie, Scalefin Anthias or Wreck Fish.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Maximum Size:
Up to 13 cm in captivity.
Water Type:
Marine.
Origin / Natural Habitat:
Found across the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and South Africa east to Niue, north to Japan and south to Australia. Adults are typically found above coral outcrops, patch reefs, channels, clear lagoons and outer reef slopes, where they often form large groups in the water column.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
Temperament:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive. This is a social species, but males can be territorial and haremic, and there can be hierarchy-related aggression if groups are kept in too little space.
Diet:
Carnivorous planktivore. In the wild it feeds on zooplankton. In captivity it should be offered a varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, copepods and other small meaty marine foods, ideally in multiple small feedings per day.
Minimum Tank Size:
475 litres minimum. Larger aquaria are preferable for groups.
Behaviour & Activity:
An active mid-water swimmer that brings constant movement to the aquarium. It generally does best in a group, with one male and multiple females in larger systems, while smaller aquaria are better suited to a single specimen or a pair. It also appreciates hiding places within rockwork, and like other anthias it is protogynous, meaning females can transition to male.
Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
This species is widely regarded as suitable for reef aquaria. It is commonly sold as reef compatible, though it should still be kept well fed and given suitable tankmates.
Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a well-established marine aquarium with plenty of swimming space and rockwork, caves, cracks and crevices for shelter. This species should be fed several times daily, and a tight-fitting lid is strongly recommended because anthias can jump.
Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers. Multiple retailer care references rate it as moderate rather than beginner-level, mainly because of its feeding needs and preference for a mature, stable system.
Availability:
Regular in trade.
All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)
The Lyretail Anthias is one of the most popular and eye-catching anthias species in the marine hobby, prized for its constant mid-water movement and strong sexual colour differences. Males are typically brighter red to pinkish-purple, while females are more orange to golden-orange. In the wild, this species forms large aggregations above coral outcrops and outer reef slopes, feeding on zooplankton in the water column. In aquaria it adds excellent movement and colour, but it does best in a mature system with regular feeding and plenty of swimming room.
Common Name:
Lyretail Anthias. It is also commonly known as the Sea Goldie, Scalefin Anthias or Wreck Fish.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Maximum Size:
Up to 13 cm in captivity.
Water Type:
Marine.
Origin / Natural Habitat:
Found across the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and South Africa east to Niue, north to Japan and south to Australia. Adults are typically found above coral outcrops, patch reefs, channels, clear lagoons and outer reef slopes, where they often form large groups in the water column.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
Temperament:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive. This is a social species, but males can be territorial and haremic, and there can be hierarchy-related aggression if groups are kept in too little space.
Diet:
Carnivorous planktivore. In the wild it feeds on zooplankton. In captivity it should be offered a varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, copepods and other small meaty marine foods, ideally in multiple small feedings per day.
Minimum Tank Size:
475 litres minimum. Larger aquaria are preferable for groups.
Behaviour & Activity:
An active mid-water swimmer that brings constant movement to the aquarium. It generally does best in a group, with one male and multiple females in larger systems, while smaller aquaria are better suited to a single specimen or a pair. It also appreciates hiding places within rockwork, and like other anthias it is protogynous, meaning females can transition to male.
Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
This species is widely regarded as suitable for reef aquaria. It is commonly sold as reef compatible, though it should still be kept well fed and given suitable tankmates.
Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a well-established marine aquarium with plenty of swimming space and rockwork, caves, cracks and crevices for shelter. This species should be fed several times daily, and a tight-fitting lid is strongly recommended because anthias can jump.
Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers. Multiple retailer care references rate it as moderate rather than beginner-level, mainly because of its feeding needs and preference for a mature, stable system.
Availability:
Regular in trade.
All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
