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About Lyretail Anthias

Lyretail Anthias are one of the most popular schooling reef fish, known for their bright orange, red and pink colouration and constant activity throughout the aquarium. They are particularly impressive when kept in groups, creating a vibrant display of movement across the water column.

This species has a fascinating social structure. Lyretail Anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning individuals begin life as females, with the dominant female capable of changing sex and becoming the dominant male if required.

Males are generally larger and more intensely coloured, while females are typically orange with less intense colouration. In a group, one dominant male will normally establish control over several females.

Lyretail Anthias are active planktivores and have a high metabolism, meaning they benefit from frequent feeding throughout the day. Small portions of quality marine foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp and finely chopped seafood are ideal.

They are reef safe and excellent additions to mature reef aquariums with plenty of open swimming space and rockwork for shelter.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Common Name: Lyretail Anthias
Family: Serranidae
Type: Marine Reef Fish
Adult Size: Approximately 12 cm
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Territorial
Care Level: Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 250 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Planktivore / Carnivore
Tank Level: Midwater to Upper Levels
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Reef aquariums, marine community tanks and large peaceful systems

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Lyretail Anthias should I keep?

They are social fish and generally do best in groups. A male with multiple females is the most natural arrangement. In smaller groups, keeping a single specimen can also work.

Can Lyretail Anthias change sex?

Yes. They are protogynous hermaphrodites. If the dominant male disappears, the largest female can transition into a male.

How often should I feed Lyretail Anthias?

They have a high metabolism and benefit from multiple small feedings throughout the day, particularly when first introduced.

Are Lyretail Anthias reef safe?

Yes. They are generally reef safe and will not normally bother corals or sessile invertebrates.

What do Lyretail Anthias eat?

Offer a varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine seafood and quality marine pellets. Small, frequent meals are ideal.

Common Mistakes

Feeding only once a day
Their high metabolism means they benefit from several smaller meals rather than one large feeding.

Keeping too many males
Multiple males can become highly territorial. A single dominant male with females is the preferred arrangement.

Adding them to an immature aquarium
A mature reef aquarium with stable parameters and plenty of natural food sources is preferable.

Insufficient swimming space
Lyretail Anthias are active swimmers and need plenty of open water.

Not providing hiding places
Rockwork and caves provide important refuge when fish are stressed or establishing their hierarchy.