{"product_id":"lyretail-anthias-female-africa","title":"Lyretail Anthias - Female - Africa","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe African female Lyretail Anthias (\u003cem\u003ePseudanthias squamipinnis\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the Scalefin Anthias or Sea Goldie, is a vibrant saltwater fish prized for its brilliant orange coloration, graceful swimming behavior, and lively presence in the water column. Females from African and western Indian Ocean populations typically display rich orange to reddish-orange coloration with yellow highlights on the scales and a distinctive violet-edged marking extending from beneath the eye toward the pectoral-fin area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the western Indian Ocean and East African coastline, including Mozambique and South Africa, this species inhabits clear lagoons, reef channels, coral outcrops, and outer reef slopes. In nature, females occur in large aggregations dominated by numerous females surrounding territorial males, feeding continuously on zooplankton carried through the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe African female Lyretail Anthias is an excellent marine aquarium fish for established reef aquariums and spacious fish-only systems. Although generally peaceful toward unrelated species, Lyretail Anthias establish a strong social hierarchy among themselves. Females are also capable of transitioning into males if the dominant male is removed, making their social structure an important consideration when maintaining groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 125 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore \/ Planktivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Indian Ocean – East Africa, including Mozambique and South Africa\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePseudanthias squamipinnis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature, well-established marine aquarium with extensive open swimming space above and around the rockwork. Lyretail Anthias are active water-column fish that spend much of the day swimming in open areas rather than remaining close to the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive rock should provide caves, ledges, overhangs, and shaded retreats for nighttime shelter and protection from dominant tankmates. Multiple separate hiding areas are especially important when keeping several anthias together, allowing subordinate females to retreat from persistent chasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong, well-distributed water movement is ideal and helps reproduce the current-rich reef habitats where these fish naturally feed. Strong oxygenation and efficient filtration are also important because the frequent feeding schedule required by anthias can increase nutrient input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA securely fitted mesh screen or aquarium lid is recommended, as anthias may jump when startled or chased.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe African Lyretail Anthias is a carnivorous planktivore that naturally feeds on zooplankton and small crustaceans suspended above the reef.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied diet including enriched mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, calanus, frozen plankton blends, finely chopped marine seafood, and appropriately sized high-quality marine pellets or flakes. Foods that remain suspended in the water column encourage natural feeding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide two to three small meals throughout the day, with additional small feedings beneficial when practical. A mature reef aquarium or refugium supporting copepods and other microcrustaceans can provide valuable supplemental feeding opportunities between meals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemale African Lyretail Anthias are generally peaceful toward unrelated community fish but can become assertive toward other anthias as a social hierarchy develops. Dominant females may chase subordinate individuals, particularly when aquarium space or hiding areas are limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include clownfish, gobies, blennies, fairy and flasher wrasses, tangs, rabbitfish, peaceful angelfish, and other non-predatory marine species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single female can be maintained successfully, while groups are best kept in larger aquariums with generous swimming room and numerous retreats. A natural social arrangement consists of one male with several females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyretail Anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites. If no dominant male is present, the largest or most dominant female may gradually transition into a male, developing stronger male coloration, increased size, and more territorial behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe African female Lyretail Anthias is considered reef safe and is an excellent choice for coral-dominated aquariums. It does not normally consume or damage stony corals, soft corals, clams, or other sessile reef organisms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also generally compatible with ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and other established reef invertebrates. Tiny copepods and other planktonic crustaceans will naturally be consumed as part of its normal feeding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain stable, well-oxygenated water with consistently high water quality. Efficient filtration and nutrient management are particularly important because this active species benefits from multiple daily feedings. Stability is more important than targeting one exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfrican female coloration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Females typically display rich orange to reddish-orange coloration with yellow scale highlights and violet accents around the eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequent feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Benefits from several small meals of plankton-sized, protein-rich marine foods throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSocial hierarchy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dominant females may chase subordinate individuals when maintained in groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSex transition:\u003c\/strong\u003e A dominant female may transition into a male when no established male is present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActive swimming:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires substantial open swimming space along with multiple secure retreats within the rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"T","offer_id":52470448619818,"sku":"ANTHIASxLyreFAT","price":53.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"S","offer_id":52470448652586,"sku":"ANTHIASxLyreFAS","price":62.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52470448685354,"sku":"ANTHIASxLyreFASM","price":68.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52470448718122,"sku":"ANTHIASxLyreFAM","price":77.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52470448750890,"sku":"ANTHIASxLyreFAML","price":92.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":52470448783658,"sku":"ANTHIASxLyreFAL","price":107.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52470448816426,"sku":"ANTHIASxLyreFAX","price":122.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/LyratailAnthias_a8a143d9-05dd-4a72-b1af-9d5ebf0f5ef0.png?v=1788543183","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/lyretail-anthias-female-africa","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}