Why did my female Lyretail Anthias turn into a male?

This species is a protogynous hermaphrodite. If you keep a group of females or if the existing male dies, the largest and most dominant female will naturally transition into a male to take over the harem.

How often do I need to feed Lyretail Anthias?

Due to their high energy levels and rapid metabolism, they should be fed small meals 2 to 4 times a day. Relying on a single daily feeding often leads to gradual starvation.

Can I keep just one male without any females?

Yes, a single male (or a single female) can be kept alone in a community aquarium. However, displaying their most vibrant colours and natural behaviours is typically achieved when they are kept in a proper harem.

Are they safe to keep with corals and shrimp?

Absolutely. Lyretail Anthias are planktivores that feed out of the water column. They will not bother your corals, and they are generally totally safe with ornamental shrimp, crabs, and snails.

Do I need a lid for my aquarium?

Yes, anthias are known to be easily spooked by sudden movements or lighting changes, making them prone to jumping. A tight-fitting mesh lid or glass canopy is essential to prevent losses.

MarineMarineIntermediate

Lyretail Anthias

Pseudanthias squamipinnis

A brilliantly coloured, active planktivore that brings exceptional movement and vibrant hues to the marine aquarium, thriving best in structured harems.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.025 SG
Adult size: 10 – 15 cm
for a single harem (1 male, 4+ females): 250 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
Diet: Carnivore (Planktivore)
Water flow: High
Preferred setup: Ample open swimming space in the upper and middle water column, supplemented with extensive live rock caves and overhangs for nighttime shelter.

About the Lyretail Anthias

The Lyretail Anthias, or Sea Goldie, is arguably the quintessential reef fish. Famous for their dramatic sexual dimorphism, females exhibit a bright orange-gold colour, while dominant males sport deeper hues of fuchsia, red, and purple with elongated dorsal spines. In the wild, they are seen hovering by the thousands over current-swept coral drop-offs, making them synonymous with healthy, thriving reefs. In the home aquarium, they provide constant, active mid-water movement.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Lyretail Anthias against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Lyretail Anthias comes from

Native range

Indo-West Pacific, Red Sea, East Coast of Africa

Countries / regions

Egypt, Australia, Maldives, Indonesia, Fiji, South Africa

Habitat

Found hovering in large aggregations above coral outcrops, steep reef slopes, and clear lagoons with strong water currents.

Colouration often varies significantly depending on the collection region, with Red Sea specimens considered particularly vibrant.

Similar species

Bimaculatus Anthias
Pseudanthias bimaculatus
Dispar Anthias
Pseudanthias dispar
Bartlett's Anthias
Pseudanthias bartlettorum

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
An active, peaceful herbivore that occupies a similar environment without competing for the same food sources or territory.
Great
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Generally peaceful and stays lower down near its host anemone or territory, avoiding the mid-water swimming space of the anthias.
Great
Bartlett's Anthias
Pseudanthias bartlettorum
Mixing different anthias species can lead to severe territorial disputes and stress, requiring exceptionally large aquariums to succeed.
Compatible with caution
Volitan Lionfish
Pterois volitans
A predatory fish with a large mouth capable of easily swallowing adult anthias, especially at night.
Not recommended
Other Male Lyretail Anthias
Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Intraspecific male aggression is exceptionally high; two males will fight to the death in all but the largest public aquarium displays.
Not recommended

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