Lyretail Anthias

The Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) is one of the most visually rewarding schooling fish for the reef display. Females display vivid orange-gold with a distinctive purple-pink stripe through the eye; males are a deeper magenta-purple with elongated lyre-shaped tail streamers that trail dramatically in current. In nature they form large aggregations over deep reefs; in captivity, groups of five or more females with a single dominant male recreate this dynamic beautifully. All Anthias are born female – without a male present, the dominant female will change sex. They are active, mid-water swimmers that require multiple small feedings per day to maintain body condition; frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and quality pellet foods are ideal. Reef safe and peaceful toward most tank mates.