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(pseudanthias squamipinnis)
Saltwater
This is a delicate fish from the deep waters of the Red Sea, near Fiji and Tonga. Known also as the Scalefin, Lyretail Orange, Lyretail Anthias and Jewel Lyretail. The male is also known as a Red Anthias. The male body is a reddish hue with light blue fins. The female will be more orange and have light green fins. A hermaphroditic fish, if the male of the group dies, the more social female will replace him by morphing into a male. Traveling in schools of a few to many thousand in the wild, in captivity these fish will swim more in the middle of the tank, in groups of three or more.
Size: sm. 1"-2"; med. 3"-4"; lg. 5"-6"
No. in Tank: Best kept at minimum in trio of 1 male and 2 females. If more than this, a ratio of 2 males to at least 6 females.
Tank: min. 125 gallon.
Temperament: Peaceful. Has been known to harass smaller fish.
Food: (Carnivore) Zoo-plankton, algae, mysid shrimp, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp. A varied diet is needed in order to retain its coloration. Feed 2-3 times a day.
Light: None.
Adaptation: Adapts slowly. Does best in trios; fish will behave more naturally, as in the wild. If kept alone, a 25 gallon aquarium works well. Needs plenty of hiding places and room to swim. Tends to dwell in the middle of the tank.
Compatibility: Is territorial. Good in a reef system and with filamentous algae. Known to harass other fish; best in a species-specific tank.
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