Anthias

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Pseudanthias squamipinnis
• Common Name: Lyretail Anthias, Blue Eye Anthias (less common name)
• Adult Size: Up to 5 inches (12–13 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 5–7 years in captivity with good care
• Habitat: Coral-rich drop-offs and outer reef slopes in the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, typically in large mid-water shoals

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons (265 liters) for a single; 125+ gallons for groups
• Ideal Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH
• Temperament: Peaceful but active; best kept in groups with one male and several females. May be bullied by aggressive tank mates.

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes

  • Diet includes zooplankton, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other small meaty foods
  • Requires frequent feedings (2–3 times daily), especially in groups
  • May accept high-quality pellets and flake food designed for carnivores

Appearance

• Females: Vibrant orange-pink body with blue or purple eyes and yellow fin highlights
• Males: Larger, more colorful, with elongated fin rays and a distinctive lyre-shaped tail
• Fin coloration and body markings intensify with dominance or breeding status

Distinctive Features

• Sexually dimorphic: males and females look very different
• Protogynous hermaphrodites: All start as females; dominant one can change to male
• Have a social hierarchy within groups
• Constant mid-water swimmers need open space to swim and high oxygenation

Tips for Success:

• Best kept in peaceful reef tanks with lots of swimming room
• Provide strong flow and hiding places
• Feed multiple times daily to support their active metabolism
• Can coexist with tangs, gobies, wrasses, and other peaceful reef fish