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Little Shop of Coral

Square Anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia)

Square Anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia)

$140.00 CAD
$140.00 CAD
Sale Sold out

The Square Anthias is a premium, open-water planktivore with striking colour and a sleek, “always in motion” swimming style. It is a standout choice for larger reef tanks where you want that natural schooling vibe and constant activity in the water column. Like most anthias, it does best with frequent smaller feedings, strong filtration, and a calm tank environment.

Why we love it

  • Eye-catching colour and pattern that stands out in the water column

  • Adds constant movement and a true reef-reef “shoal” look

  • Great feature anthias for larger, established systems

Suggested parameters

  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

  • Nitrate: Under 10–15 ppm (lower and stable is best)

  • High oxygenation: Strong flow and surface agitation recommended

Care and temperament

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Temperament: Peaceful

  • Reef safe: Yes

  • Minimum tank size: 125 gallons recommended (larger is better for anthias behaviour and stability)

Diet

Anthias burn energy fast and do best with frequent feeding.

  • Frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp

  • Finely chopped seafood blends

  • High-quality pellets (small size) once established

  • Feed small amounts 2 to 4 times per day when possible

  • An auto-feeder can help keep a steady routine

Compatibility and tankmates

  • Best with peaceful to semi-aggressive reef fish

  • Avoid very aggressive tankmates that may stress it or outcompete it at feeding time

  • Can be kept singly or in groups depending on tank size and aggression levels

  • Provide open swimming space plus rockwork for shelter and retreat

What you are buying

  • You will receive: 1 Square Anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia)

  • Colour and size can vary between individuals and may intensify as it settles in

As with all anthias, slow acclimation is recommended, and quarantine is encouraged when possible.

View full details

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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