Indian Ocean Lyretail Anthias - Female - Maldives

Pseudanthias squamipinnis Lyretail Anthias, also known as Sea Goldies, are brilliantly colored reef fish that bring vibrant pink, orange, and yellow hues to any aquarium. Best kept in groups, they thrive in a harem structure with one male and several females. Like other anthias, they are protogynous hermaphrodites, with the dominant female capable of transforming into a male if needed. Within the harem, males display bold coloration and actively interact with females, creating a lively and dynamic display. Native to the Indo-Pacific—from the Red Sea to Japan, and from southern Australia to the Great Barrier Reef—Lyretail Anthias are commonly found around coral outcrops, patch reefs, and outer reef slopes at depths of 16–115 feet. To replicate their natural environment, provide ample rockwork with caves, crevices, and overhangs for shelter, along with open mid-water space for swimming. A secure lid is essential, as they are prone to jumping when startled. Males are striking, with a purplish-pink body, a pink to orange streak from the eye to the pectoral-fin base, a red patch on the pectoral fin, and pale spots on a blue anal fin. Their third dorsal-fin ray and upper and lower caudal-fin rays are elongated, giving the lyretail appearance. Females are golden-orange with a violet streak from below the eye to the pectoral-fin base. Juveniles are lighter and more muted versions of these colors. Lyretail Anthias are peaceful and reef-safe, though males may show territorial behavior within the harem. With a high metabolism, they require a varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and finely chopped seafoods. To maintain health and brilliant coloration, they should be fed multiple times per day. Reaching up to 6 inches, Lyretail Anthias need a minimum aquarium size of 125 gallons, with larger systems preferred when housing a group.