Lyretail anthias
Pseudanthias squamipinnis · Serranidae
Also known as Scalefin anthias, Sea goldie
Intermediate
Orange harem shoaler for a big reef; needs frequent feeding and strong flow.
In short: A lyretail anthias needs at least 340 L (90 US gal), water at 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 3 or more, and rated intermediate to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 340 L (90 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 15 cm (5.9 in)
- Group size
- 3+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe.
- With inverts
- Reef safe.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 340 L (90 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 340 L (90 US gal)
- Aggression
- Squabbles inside the harem only.
- Feeding
- Three or more small feeds daily.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 340 L (90 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 4–8 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — mysis, cyclops, enriched brine, small pellets.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indian Ocean and Red Sea
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Current-swept reef drop-offs
- Natural conditions
- High flow, high oxygen, stable warm water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 3 fish
- Swims
- Mid-water
- Good tank mates
- TangsClownfishWrasses
- Avoid
- Aggressive damselsDottybacks
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Male is purple-magenta with an elongated dorsal spine.
- Notes
- Harem spawner; not reared at home.
- Common ailments
- Marine ichStarvationUronema
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