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A beautiful schooling fish in vivid pink or orange. Spectacular when kept in groups.
Anthias (family Anthiadidae) are a group of vibrant, schooling marine fishes found on coral reefs throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Forming large, shimmering aggregations on reef drop-offs, they provide some of the most spectacular natural displays in the marine world. The lyretail anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), the most commonly kept species, exhibits sexual dichromatism — females are orange while males sport purple longitudinal stripes — and a harem social structure in which dominant females can sex-change to male if the dominant male is lost. In aquariums, groups of five or more are ideal for natural schooling behavior. Their high metabolic rate demands three to five small feedings daily, the main challenge of their husbandry. A combination of frozen brine shrimp, mysis, and fine-grained pellets is the standard dietary approach.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Anthias lives 3-7 years.
The Anthias grows to 8-15cm.
Origin
Coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans
Lifespan
3-7 years
Size
8-15cm
Temperature
23〜26℃
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
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Frozen food, Artificial feed
Keeping them in a shoal is the norm, with five or more recommended. Provide open swimming space with good water flow.
Their metabolism is fast, so feed small amounts 3–5 times a day. Combining frozen brine shrimp with small pellets helps keep them from losing condition.
They lose condition easily, so keep up the feeding frequency and check body shape daily. If the belly starts to sink in, review how often and how much you feed.
They change sex from female to male; in a group tank you can watch one female turn into a male. One male with several females is closest to the natural harem.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Anthias is 3-7 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Anthias typically reaches 8-15cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Anthias feeds on: Frozen food, Artificial feed. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Anthias varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026