Pink Square Anthias - Male- Pseudanthias pleurotaenia

Large

$135.99

$135.99 $169.99

Pink Square Anthias - Male- Pseudanthias pleurotaenia

Anthias Reef Safe

$135.99

$135.99 $169.99

SKU: ANTHIASxPinkSqMaleL

5 Day Guarantee

Reef Guard Covers You

Ships Overnight

Only FedEx Priority

Expert Support

We've got your back!

Diet

mysis shrimp brine shrimp finely chopped meaty foods

Min Tank Size 50 gallons

Temperament Semi-aggressive

Reef Safe Yes

Care & Diet Feeding, nutrition, and best practices.

Diet Type: Carnivore

Diet and Feeding: Pink Square Anthias are planktivorous carnivores that naturally feed on drifting zooplankton, copepods, and other minute crustaceans in the wild. In captivity, it is beneficial to make finely chopped mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and quality small marine pellets or frozen plankton the dietary staples, with occasional spirulina-based microfoods if desired for added variety. To ensure balanced nutrition, supplement regularly with nutrient-rich “treats” such as Calanus, krill in very small pieces, and vitamin-enriched frozen blends. Offer food in small portions several times daily, ideally in a way that allows it to drift through the water column and encourage natural foraging, while using an automatic feeder or frequent hand feedings to maintain consistency. Prevent overfeeding by providing only what is fully consumed in a few minutes, as frequent light meals are far preferable to large feedings.

mysis shrimp brine shrimp finely chopped meaty foods

Behavior Temperament, activity level, and interactions.

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Pink Square Anthias are highly active, midwater planktivores that spend most of their time in constant, open-water cruising and darting through the water column, so they require ample swimming space with secure hiding areas and plenty of structure. They are generally peaceful toward noncompetitive tank mates but can be mildly hierarchical and territorial with conspecifics, especially in smaller groups or cramped quarters. A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for a small group, with a larger system preferred to maintain stable social spacing and reduce stress. An aquascape built with branching rockwork and visual barriers helps break lines of sight, giving subordinate fish respite and encouraging more natural behavior. They are typically compatible with other reef-safe species, provided tank mates are not overly aggressive or fast enough to outcompete them for food. Their diet is omnivorous with a strong emphasis on zooplankton, and in captivity they do best on frequent offerings of small meaty foods such as mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and finely chopped marine preparations that match their natural hunting style.

Tank & Aquascape Tank requirements and aquascaping tips.

Min Tank Size: 50 gallons
Max Size: 6 inches
Care Level: Hard
Origin: Western Pacific

Compatibility Tank mates, aggression, and introduction order.

Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Safe: Yes

Reef & Health Reef safety, common issues, and prevention.

Reef Safe: Yes
Care Level: Hard

FAQs Answers to the most common questions.

Is Pink Square Anthias best kept as a single fish, or does it need a group?

It is much better kept in a small harem or group, not alone. Like most anthias, the most stable setup is one dominant male with 3–6 females. A lone Pink Square Anthias often becomes timid, refuses food, or fades in color. If kept in a pair, make sure one is clearly male and the other is female; two similar-sized individuals may fight.

What foods reliably get Pink Square Anthias feeding in captivity?

They usually do best on frequent small feedings of meaty planktonic foods: enriched mysis, copepods, baby brine shrimp, finely chopped krill, and high-quality marine pellets designed for planktivores. The key is variety and frequency. Offer food 2–4 times daily if possible. Newly imported fish often start with live or frozen copepods and baby brine shrimp before accepting pellets.

How can I tell if a Pink Square Anthias is male or female?

Males are typically more intensely colored, more assertive, and often show more elongated dorsal, anal, or caudal fin extensions depending on the individual. Females are usually smaller, rounder in profile, and less vivid. In a group, the largest, most dominant individual often transitions into male if no male is present.

What tank setup suits Pink Square Anthias best long-term?

They do best in a mature reef-style aquarium with strong water movement, high oxygenation, and plenty of open swimming space plus some sheltered rockwork. Stability matters more than minimalism: low nitrate, no sudden salinity swings, and excellent filtration are important because they are sensitive to poor water quality. A tight-fitting lid is also important, since anthias are jumpers.

Why do Pink Square Anthias sometimes waste away even when they seem to be eating?

This is a common anthias problem and usually comes from not feeding often enough, foods being too large or too rich, or the fish being outcompeted at meals. They burn energy quickly and need frequent access to small, nutrient-dense foods. Another issue is internal parasites or shipping stress, especially in newly imported specimens. If one is eating less, isolate it if needed, increase feed frequency, and watch closely for rapid weight loss behind the head and belly.