Description

🧡 Lyretail Anthias Male (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)

A Show-Stopping Centerpiece for Your Reef Aquarium

The Lyretail Anthias Male is a striking reef fish, instantly recognizable for its electric orange to reddish-pink body, vibrant lavender facial accents, and the dramatic trailing fins that give it the “lyretail” name. This species is the crown jewel of anthias groups, boasting not just color, but charisma and activity, making it a favorite among reef enthusiasts.

Naturally found in the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, Lyretail Anthias male are typically the dominant members of their harem, surrounded by multiple females. In a home aquarium, this behavior adds fascinating social dynamics to observe — a little slice of the reef, alive and thriving in your tank.

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🌟 Key Features

• 🔥 Dramatic Colouration: Bold orange-red body with violet details and flowing fins

• 🐠 Dynamic Behavior: Active swimmer, displays gentle dominance in a harem setting

• 👑 Natural Leader: Typically kept with multiple females for social balance

• 🧪 Reef Safe: Will not nip at corals or inverts

• 🎨 Visual Centerpiece: Stands out in any community or reef display

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📏 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Pseudanthias squamipinnis

• Common Name: Lyretail Anthias Male

• Origin: Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Western Pacific

• Max Size: 12–15 cm (5–6 inches)

• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive (toward other males)

• Diet: Carnivore – prefers zooplankton, frozen foods, and micro crustaceans

• Reef Safe: ✅ Yes

• Lifespan: 5–7 years with proper care

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🌊 Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 300–400L (especially if housing a harem)

• Temperature: 24–27°C

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG

• Water Flow: Moderate to strong

• Lighting: Moderate to high

• Aquascaping: Provide open water space for swimming, plus caves or ledges for retreat

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👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Social Structure & Compatibility

Lyretail Anthias male thrive in a haremic social structure — one male to several females (usually 3–5). Keeping more than one male in a tank can lead to aggression unless the system is very large and well-designed to accommodate multiple territories.

Compatible with:

• Other peaceful to semi-aggressive fish (wrasses, gobies, tangs, etc.)

• All types of corals and most reef invertebrates

• Avoid housing with large predatory fish or aggressive anthias species

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🍽️ Feeding Tips

Anthias have fast metabolisms and require frequent, high-protein meals. Male Lyretails are especially active and should be fed 2–3 times per day with:

• Frozen mysis shrimp

• Enriched brine shrimp

• Marine microplankton or copepods

• Soft sinking pellets formulated for carnivores or anthias species

Tip: Offering smaller portions multiple times daily helps prevent waste buildup while mimicking natural feeding habits.

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📝 Extra Care Notes

• Ideal for mature, stable reef systems with excellent water quality

• Provide a secure lid – anthias are known jumpers!

• Watch for signs of aggression if another male is added to the tank

• Supplement with vitamin-enriched foods during acclimation to boost immunity

• Can be kept singly, but shine brightest in social harems with compatible females

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🌈 With their stunning coloration, graceful movement, and fascinating social dynamics, Lyretail Anthias Male elevate the energy and visual appeal of any reef aquarium. Best kept with a group of females, they thrive in well-maintained, active marine environments where they can display their full natural behavior and beauty.