{"product_id":"squareback-anthias","title":"Squareback anthias","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout Squareback Anthias\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Squareback Anthias is a striking reef fish recognised for its \u003cstrong\u003edeep pink to purple colouration and distinctive square-shaped dark marking on the side of the body\u003c\/strong\u003e. Males are particularly spectacular, often developing intense pink, purple and red colouration with elongated fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike other anthias, Squarebacks are active \u003cstrong\u003eplanktivores\u003c\/strong\u003e that spend much of their time swimming in the water column and feeding on passing plankton. They look their best when maintained in a group with plenty of open swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSquareback Anthias are \u003cstrong\u003eprotogynous hermaphrodites\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning they begin life as females. If the dominant male is removed, the largest female can transition into a male and take over the group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey benefit from frequent feeding, excellent water quality and strong oxygenation. A varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood and quality marine pellets will help maintain their colour and condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePseudanthias pleurotaenia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Squareback Anthias\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Serranidae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Marine Reef Fish \/ Anthias\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 15 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful to Semi-Territorial\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Aquarium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 300 L+\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.0–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.023–1.026 SG\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Planktivore \/ Carnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Midwater to Upper Levels\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large reef aquariums and peaceful marine community systems\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow many Squareback Anthias should I keep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are social fish and are best kept in a \u003cstrong\u003egroup or harem\u003c\/strong\u003e, typically with one male and several females. A sufficiently large aquarium is important when keeping a group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Squareback Anthias change sex?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are \u003cstrong\u003eprotogynous hermaphrodites\u003c\/strong\u003e. Females can transition into males when the dominant male is absent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Squareback Anthias reef safe?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are generally reef safe and are excellent additions to coral aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Squareback Anthias eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey benefit from frequent feeding of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood and quality marine pellets. Multiple smaller meals throughout the day are ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Squareback Anthias need a large aquarium?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are active swimmers and can reach around 15 cm, so substantial swimming space is required, particularly when keeping a group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding only once per day\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnthias have a high metabolism and benefit from several smaller meals throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping multiple males together\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMales can become territorial. A single male with females is generally the preferred social structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot providing enough swimming space\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSquareback Anthias are active open-water swimmers and require plenty of unobstructed water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdding them to an immature aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStable water quality, excellent oxygenation and reliable feeding are important for long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping them with aggressive tank mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTheir peaceful nature makes them vulnerable to harassment from highly aggressive marine fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Large","offer_id":48917898985611,"sku":null,"price":120.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/SVXD00Skm59f5ZGtet8agObBCfBxFtKRLirlCxM3lybjfTY868iQIrJOwkz_CnsVWHmgtetwS-CdsOPrR1ciUNyVfoTLps8WyFUUTh6HjF6MrWy8JSPiFCKTqAPwp4TtijGVPzARP3NM6TkXR3RXJYyVnmk-0serdaTqYGDi.jpg?v=1786951356","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/squareback-anthias","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}