Lyretail Anthias (Female) 

Also known as Scalefin Anthias (Female), Sea Goldie (Female)

The female Lyretail Anthias is one of the most popular and readily available anthias in the aquarium trade. Displaying beautiful orange coloration, these peaceful schooling fish are hardy, active, and an excellent choice for aquarists new to keeping anthias.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Pseudanthias squamipinnis
• Common Names: Lyretail Anthias, Scalefin Anthias, Sea Goldie
• Adult Size: Up to 3.5 inches
• Lifespan: 5-7 years with proper care
• Temperament: Very peaceful and highly social; must be kept in groups
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef safe; will not harm corals or invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons 
• Experience Level: Beginner to moderate; one of the hardiest anthias species

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide open swimming areas with moderate to strong water flow. Include rockwork with caves and overhangs for shelter and sleeping. These fish are extremely active and use the entire water column.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023-1.025
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Stable water quality is important
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Reliable protein skimmer
  • Quality filtration system
  • Powerheads for water circulation. These help maintain the clean conditions this species prefers.

Diet & Feeding

Female Lyretail Anthias are planktivores with hearty appetites. Recommended foods include:

• Staples: High-quality marine pellets, vitamin-enriched flake foods
• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, cyclops, copepods, finely chopped krill
• Live Foods: Enriched brine shrimp, copepods (helpful for finicky eaters)
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily
• Special Note: This species readily adapts to pellet foods and is one of the easiest anthias to feed

Social Structure & Group Dynamics

• Best Kept in Groups: Thrives in harems of multiple females with one male; can also be kept in all-female groups
• Coloration: Females display solid orange coloration throughout the body, with no purple tints or elongated finnage
• Sequential Hermaphroditism: All are born female; the dominant female will transform into a male if no male is present
• Introduce Simultaneously: Adding the entire group at once reduces stress and establishes hierarchy naturally

Notes & Considerations

• Among the hardiest and most adaptable anthias species, making them ideal for first-time anthias keepers.
• Extremely active swimmers that create constant, mesmerizing movement in the aquarium.
• A secure aquarium lid is essential; excellent jumpers when startled.
• Peaceful toward all tankmates and can be kept with other anthias species.
• If kept without a male, the largest, most dominant female will eventually develop male characteristics.
• Highly social; solitary specimens may become stressed and hide frequently.

Why Choose a Quarantined Lyretail Anthias (Female)?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, better-acclimated fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and conditioned to accept prepared foods before sale, giving you a stronger chance of long-term success with this beautiful and active species.