Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) Care Guide

A stunning schooling reef fish where males are vivid magenta-purple and females bright orange. Protogynous hermaphrodites — if the dominant male dies, the largest female transforms into a male.

Overview

Pseudanthias squamipinnis is a species in the family Serranidae. A stunning schooling reef fish where males are vivid magenta-purple and females bright orange. Protogynous hermaphrodites — if the dominant male dies, the largest female transforms into a male. Best kept as a harem of one male with several females. Needs frequent feeding.

Taxonomy

Family: Serranidae
Genus: Pseudanthias
Scientific name: Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Other names: Scalefin Anthias, Sea Goldie
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Pseudanthias squamipinnis is a planktivorous reef fish of Indo-Pacific drop-offs, living in large shoals that feed on zooplankton in the current. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite: the dominant individual becomes a colourful male. Reef-safe but needs strong flow and frequent feeding.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 300 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
KH: 8-12 dKH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 8-12 cm
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 5
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: multiple times daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: middle
Compatible tank mates: Tangs, Wrasses, Clownfish, Blennies
Avoid with: Aggressive Fish, Predatory Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced