Lyretail Anthias Care Guide: Tank Size, Diet, Reef Safety & Tankmates

The Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) is a bright, mid-water schooling fish. Males turn magenta-red with a long dorsal streamer, while females stay golden-orange.

Quick facts

• Tank size: 70 gallons or more
• Adult size: about 5 inches
• Diet: carnivore; small meaty foods several times a day
• Reef safe: yes with corals; watch tiny shrimp
• Difficulty: moderate
• Temperament: peaceful with other species; bossy in its own group

What makes it special

This anthias is also called the Scalefin Anthias or Sea Goldie. It is one of the most common anthias in home reefs.

Males lead a small harem. They show a tall third dorsal spine and a lyre-shaped tail. Females are orange-gold with a violet line from the eye.

In the wild it lives on Indo-West Pacific and Red Sea reefs, feeding on plankton in the current.

@billy

Tank setup

• Space: open mid-water swimming room plus rock caves to retreat
• Flow: strong, steady current so food stays in the water
• Lid: a tight lid or mesh cover — anthias jump
• Water: 75–80°F, salinity 1.025, stable parameters

Add them to a mature tank. A reef with pods and microfauna helps between feedings.

Behavior

Lyretail Anthias stay active all day in the water column. They look best in a small group, not as a single fish.

Keep one male with several females when you can. Two males in a small tank often fight for the top spot.

They are peaceful with clownfish, gobies, wrasses, and most tangs. Stress shows as hiding, faded color, or skipped meals.

Feeding

These fish have fast metabolisms. Thin fish that stop eating need quick help.

• Frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp
• Copepods and other small frozen foods
• Fine marine pellets once they are trained

Feed small amounts 2–3 times a day (more for a bigger school). Target feed so shy fish get a share.

Reef safety

Lyretail Anthias leave corals alone. They are a solid pick for mixed soft, LPS, and SPS tanks.

• Usually safe: corals, clams, snails, and larger shrimp
• At risk: very tiny ornamental shrimp that look like food

Photo: Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lyretail Anthias in the wild

Tankmates

Choose tankmates that will not outcompete them at feeding time.

• Good: clownfish, chromis, peaceful wrasses, gobies, and larger peaceful tangs
• Risky: big aggressive dottybacks, triggers, and fish that steal every meal
• Avoid: other male Lyretails in tanks under about 125 gallons

Add the anthias after the tank is stable, and feed often so they keep their weight.

Health and lifespan

• Lifespan: 5+ years with steady food and clean water
• Watch for: weight loss, white spots, rapid breathing, or hiding all day
• Quarantine: follow our 30-day fish quarantine protocol

New fish may stay pale for a few days. Bright color and a round belly are good signs.

Buying tips

• Pick fish with full bellies and clear eyes
• Ask to see them eat before you buy
• Start with a female group if you are new to anthias
• Skip thin fish, torn fins, or fish that hang in the corner

FAQs

How many Lyretail Anthias should I keep?

One male with three or more females works best in 70+ gallons. A single male alone often stays stressed and shy.

Is the Lyretail Anthias reef safe?

Yes. It ignores corals. Just watch very small shrimp that might look like snacks.

Why do Lyretail Anthias starve in some tanks?

They need frequent small meals. If bigger fish eat first, feed more often or target feed the anthias.

Ready to add one?

Looking for Lyretail Anthias or peaceful tankmates? Browse fish from trusted sellers on the ReefBay shop.