Little Shop of Coral
Lyretail Anthia (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)
Lyretail Anthia (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)
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The Lyretail Anthias is a classic reef favourite known for vivid colour, constant movement, and beautiful group behaviour. Females are typically bright orange with subtle accents, while males develop stronger coloration and the signature lyre-shaped tail. When kept in the right setup with frequent feeding, anthias add a lively “schooling” feel to the mid-water zone and bring a ton of energy to reef displays.
Why we love it
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Bright colour and nonstop motion that makes reefs feel alive
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Great group fish with natural harem behaviour
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Males develop the iconic lyre tail and stronger coloration
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Reef safe and excellent for peaceful community reefs
Care & Compatibility
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Carnivore (planktivore)
Adult Size: ~5"
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons recommended (larger ideal for groups)
Feeding (Key to Success)
Anthias thrive on frequent, smaller meals.
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Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and quality frozen blends
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Small pellets that are designed for marine fish
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Feed 2 to 3 times daily when possible, especially in the first month
A well-fed anthias stays bold, holds weight, and shows better colour.
Tank & Setup Notes
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Provide open swimming space plus rockwork for retreat
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Moderate to strong flow and high oxygenation are ideal
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Stable parameters help prevent stress-related issues
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A secure lid is recommended in tanks where jump-prone fish are present
Compatibility Tips
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Best with peaceful reef fish like fairy wrasses, chromis, gobies, and tangs
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Avoid aggressive tank mates that will keep them hiding or outcompete them for food
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For best results, keep in groups with one male and multiple females in larger tanks
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If you start with all females, the dominant fish may transition to male over time
Acclimation & Health
Slow acclimation is recommended. Anthias can be sensitive to shipping stress, so early success depends on getting them eating quickly and feeding consistently. Quarantine is ideal when possible, with special attention to frequent feeding.
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LIGHT
LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.
MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height.
HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.
FLOW
LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.
MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.
HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.
SKILL
ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.
While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.
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