Lyretail Anthias Male (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)

The Lyretail Anthias Male (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) is one of the most eye-catching reef fish in the trade. Males carry a deep pink-to-red body, a tall elongated dorsal spine, and the dramatic lyretail that gives the species its common name. In a mature reef they hover mid-column in active, never-still motion, perfect for a tank that needs a flagship swimmer above the rockwork. Pair this male with our Lyretail Anthias females for a harem display, or keep solo in a smaller reef.

Care Guide

• Care level: Intermediate. Hardy once eating, but high metabolism means 3 or more feedings per day.
• Tank size: 70 gallons or larger for a single male, 125 gallons or larger if running a harem with multiple females.
• Water: 72 to 78 F, pH 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025, dKH 8 to 12.
• Flow: Medium to high. Anthias school in heavy current on natural reefs and stay healthier with strong flow at home.
• Lighting: Any reef-appropriate spectrum. Color shows best under cooler 14K-and-up lighting.
• Cover: Tight-fitting lid. Anthias are notorious carpet jumpers, especially during the first week.

Specifications

Compatibility

Great with: peaceful reef fish like Canary Blenny, Mandarin Gobies, peaceful tangs, wrasses, and clownfish. Safe with all corals and reef-friendly invertebrates.

Caution with: other males of the same species (will fight), aggressive damsels, and any fish large enough to swallow a 5-inch anthias. Keep only one male per tank unless the system is very large and well aquascaped.

Harem tip: in tanks 125 gallons or larger, add the male last after the females have settled. Without a male, a dominant female will eventually change sex and become one.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Reef Nutrition Tigger Feast for live tigriopus copepods between meals.
• Bulldawg Copepod Mix to seed a long-term pod population in the rockwork.
• SFBB Fish Food Icebox for safe pickup transport of frozen mysis and brine.
• Browse our full nutrition collection for frozen and pellet foods that suit anthias.
• More live saltwater fish, corals, and inverts on the storefront.

FAQ

Will it eat frozen food?
Yes. Once acclimated this male takes frozen mysis, brine, and small reef pellets readily. Live pods or live brine help during the first day or two.

Can I keep more than one male?
Not in most home reef tanks. Two males will fight relentlessly. Stick to one male, or one male plus multiple females in a large system.

Is it reef safe?
Yes, fully reef safe. Will not pick at corals, anemones, clams, or reef-safe invertebrates.

Do I really need a tight lid?
Yes. Anthias are among the worst carpet jumpers in the reef hobby, especially in the first week. A mesh or polycarbonate lid is a must.

How often does it need to eat?
At least 3 times per day. Anthias have a fast metabolism and lose weight quickly if fed only once daily. An auto-feeder with high-quality pellets helps fill the gaps.