Lyretail Anthias: Male - South Asia

The Lyretail Anthias, Pseudanthias squamipinnis, is hermaphroditic meaning all are born females, and when needed the dominant female turns into male. They also display sexual dimorphism with the male displaying a pink/peach colored body with a yellow-gradient splotch in the center of its body while the female displays a solid pink body with distinct yellow trimmings along its fins. They can be kept as a mated pair, or in a small school of females. Avoid keeping two males in the same tank, as it can lead to extreme aggression.

They are pretty hardy and can be kept in a reef tank setting with plenty of live rock. Diet should include a variety of a steady supply of copepods, frozen mysis and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, as well as high quality flake foods 3-5 times daily.