{"product_id":"squareback-anthias-male-fiji","title":"Squareback Anthias - Male - Fiji","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe male Squareback Anthias (\u003cem\u003ePseudanthias pleurotaenia\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the Squarespot Anthias, Square-Spot Fairy Basslet, or Purple Blotch Anthias, is a spectacular saltwater fish recognized for its vivid pink, reddish-orange, and magenta coloration. Mature males typically develop a large pale lavender-to-whitish quadrangular patch on the side of the body, along with blue-edged fins, an elongated dorsal spine, and a deeply forked tail. The size and intensity of the characteristic flank patch can vary between individuals and geographic populations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Fiji-origin form comes from the South Pacific portion of the species’ range, where Squareback Anthias inhabit current-swept reef slopes and drop-offs. In nature, they form aggregations several feet above reef structure, remaining in the water column to capture passing zooplankton while retreating quickly toward the reef when threatened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaching approximately 8 inches as an adult, the male Squareback Anthias is substantially larger than many commonly maintained anthias and requires generous swimming space. Its dramatic coloration, active behavior, and coral-safe feeding habits make it an impressive centerpiece for a spacious reef aquarium or appropriately sized fish-only aquarium.\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 Fiji – South Pacific\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePseudanthias pleurotaenia\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. Male Squareback Anthias are large, active water-column swimmers, so a long aquarium footprint with substantial unobstructed swimming room is preferable for long-term housing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrange live rock to provide caves, ledges, overhangs, and shaded retreats without excessively reducing open water. Secure retreats are important for nighttime shelter and allow the fish to withdraw from aggressive interactions or bright aquarium lighting when desired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong, well-distributed water movement is ideal and helps replicate the current-swept reef habitats where this species naturally feeds. Strong oxygenation and efficient filtration are especially important because frequent feeding can contribute significant 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 Squareback Anthias is a carnivorous planktivore that naturally feeds on zooplankton and small crustaceans suspended in the water column.\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 help encourage natural feeding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide two to three small meals per day, with additional smaller feedings beneficial when practical. Newly introduced specimens may initially respond most readily to mysis shrimp, copepods, and other frozen planktonic foods before becoming accustomed to a broader prepared diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale Squareback Anthias are generally compatible with peaceful to moderately assertive marine fish but can become territorial toward other anthias. Mature males may display, chase females, or aggressively challenge competing males as they establish and maintain social dominance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include tangs, rabbitfish, peaceful to moderately assertive angelfish, fairy and flasher wrasses, clownfish, gobies, and other non-predatory marine species that will not continually intimidate or outcompete them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiple mature males should generally be avoided unless the aquarium is exceptionally large and provides substantial separation between territories. A single male can be maintained successfully, or one male may be housed with several females in a suitably spacious system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike other anthias, this species is a protogynous hermaphrodite. If a dominant male is absent, a dominant female may transition into a male as the social structure of the group changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe male Squareback Anthias is considered reef safe and is an excellent choice for large 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, highly oxygenated water with consistently good water quality. Efficient filtration and regular nutrient management are particularly important because this active anthias 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\u003eLarge adult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can reach approximately 8 inches and requires substantial open swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMale coloration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mature males typically develop vivid pink-to-magenta coloration with a prominent pale square or rectangular flank patch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMale territoriality:\u003c\/strong\u003e May aggressively challenge other male anthias and chase subordinate individuals.\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\u003eActive reef swimmer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires strong oxygenation, open water, secure retreats, and a mature aquarium environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Square (Pink) Anthias; M; Fiji","offer_id":52470447833386,"sku":"ANTHIASxPinkF","price":146.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/PinkSquareAnthias1_23642c82-c5fb-4515-8e83-e0bb11937646.png?v=1788545488","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/squareback-anthias-male-fiji","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}