Lyretail Anthias - Male - Africa

The African male Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), also known as the Scalefin Anthias or Sea Goldie, is a spectacular saltwater fish distinguished by its intense fuchsia-red to reddish-purple coloration, elongated dorsal fin, and deeply forked lyre-shaped tail. Males from African and western Indian Ocean populations tend to display warmer, redder coloration than many Pacific forms, often with contrasting yellow along the caudal-fin margins and vivid orange-red markings on the pectoral fins.

Native to the western Indian Ocean, including the eastern coast of Africa from Mozambique south to South Africa, this species inhabits clear coral reefs, reef channels, lagoons, and outer reef slopes. In nature, large aggregations swim above coral outcrops and patch reefs, continuously capturing zooplankton carried through the water column.

The African male Lyretail Anthias is an active, highly visible marine aquarium fish that makes an impressive centerpiece for a spacious reef aquarium or fish-only aquarium. Although generally compatible with unrelated community fish, mature males are territorial toward other anthias and require substantial swimming room, secure retreats, and careful consideration of group structure.

Quick Care Guide

Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Carnivore / Planktivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Region: Western Indian Ocean – East Africa, including Mozambique and South Africa
Scientific Name: Pseudanthias squamipinnis

Tank Requirements

Provide a mature, well-established aquarium with extensive open swimming space above and around the rockwork. Male Lyretail Anthias can reach approximately 6 inches and are energetic water-column swimmers, making a long aquarium with generous horizontal swimming room especially important.

Arrange live rock to create caves, ledges, overhangs, and shaded retreats while preserving substantial open water. These protected areas provide nighttime shelter and allow the fish to withdraw from territorial interactions.

Moderate to strong, well-distributed water movement is ideal and helps recreate the current-rich reef environments where Lyretail Anthias naturally feed. Strong oxygenation and efficient filtration are important because the frequent feeding required by this species can significantly increase nutrient input.

A securely fitted mesh screen or aquarium lid is recommended, as anthias can jump when startled or chased.

Diet and Feeding

The Lyretail Anthias is a carnivorous planktivore that naturally feeds on zooplankton suspended above the reef.

Offer 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.

Provide at least 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 supplemental feeding opportunities between meals.

Temperament and Tankmates

Male African Lyretail Anthias are generally compatible with peaceful to moderately assertive marine fish but can become territorial toward other anthias. Mature males naturally defend social position and may chase females or competing males.

Suitable tankmates include clownfish, gobies, blennies, fairy and flasher wrasses, tangs, rabbitfish, peaceful angelfish, and other active non-predatory community species.

Keeping multiple mature males together is generally not recommended unless the aquarium is exceptionally large and provides substantial separation between territories. A single male may be maintained alone or, in a suitably spacious aquarium, with several females to create a more natural harem structure.

Lyretail Anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites. If the dominant male is removed from an established group, a dominant female may transition into a male and assume its social role.

Reef Compatibility

The African male 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.

It 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.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water with consistently high water quality. Effective 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.

Common Considerations

• African male coloration: Western Indian Ocean males commonly show rich reddish-fuchsia coloration, contrasting caudal-fin edging, and vivid pectoral-fin markings.

• Large male size: Mature males can reach approximately 6 inches and require substantial open swimming space.

• Male territoriality: Avoid multiple mature males unless the aquarium is exceptionally large.

• Frequent feeding: Benefits from several small meals of plankton-sized, protein-rich foods throughout the day.

• Social structure: Can be maintained singly or as one male with several females in an appropriately sized aquarium.