Fish Coral Inverts

Squareback Anthias

Pseudanthias pleurotaenia

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Suggested Tank

100+ gallons

Max Size

7.9 inches

Difficulty

Medium

Temperament

Peaceful

Description

A large, deep-water fairy basslet in which males are magenta-pink with a bold rectangular lavender blotch on each flank, while females are yellow-orange with a lavender belly and fine purple stripes. Peaceful toward tankmates but males spar with each other, so keep one male with 3-6 females in a mature, well-established tank of 100 gallons or more with open mid-water swimming room, caves and overhangs, brisk flow, and subdued lighting to preserve color. Completely reef safe, but it needs several small feedings of zooplankton-type foods per day and a tight-fitting lid, as startled anthias jump.

Reef Safe

Yes

Environment

They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and swimming space. The water should be well-oxygenated with moderate to strong flow, and the temperature should be maintained between 72-78°F with a pH of 8.1-8.4.

Behavior

Squareback Anthias are active swimmers and are often seen swimming in the middle to upper levels of the aquarium. They are social fish that do well in groups, but a single male should be kept with multiple females to prevent aggression.

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