Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Lyretail Anthias is also known as the Sea Goldie, Scalefin Anthias, and Orange Basslet. Native to a large range in the Indo-Pacific ocean, from the western Indian Ocean including the Red Sea, and in the Pacific Ocean as far east as Japan and southeast Australia. The males have bright reddish pink coloration of varying hues while the female Lyretail Anthias tends to be more orange and yellow in coloration. Males can reach almost 6 inches in length while females tend to be about half of that size.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Anthias feed on zooplankton and occur in areas with strong currents such as reef faces, slopes, drop off zones. In the aquarium they do best when fed a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched frozen brine shrimp, and over time may begin to feed upon high-quality flake foods and pellets offered in small quantities throughout the day.Â
Care Requirements: The Lyretail Anthias does best when kept in a group and housed in a species-specific aquarium of at least 125 gallons in size. Male Lyretail Anthias are best kept alone or with several females. Though the Lyretail Anthias generally occupy the middle of the aquarium, it appreciates the availability of several hiding places. They make a beautiful addition to the active fish-only marine aquarium as well as the mixed reef aquarium. To best recreate a natural reef environment for the Lyretail Anthias, aquascape with a generous amount of live rock and create slopes, caves, and overhangs for an interesting and diverse reef aquarium landscape. They are considered reef safe and will not bother coral or other invertebrates. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 3″; Large: 3″ to 4″; XLarge: 4″ or larger.
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.Â