Indian Ocean Lyretail Anthias

The Indian Ocean Lyretail Anthias is also known as the Scalefin. The males have reddish hues, while the females tend to be more orange. They are active and help to draw out shier fish that share the tank with them.

The Indian Ocean Lyretail Anthias does best when kept in a species-specific tank of at least 125-gallons for a group. Males are best kept alone with several females, or singly. The Anthias dwells in the middle of a tank but appreciates the availability of several hiding places.

Anthias species all share the trait of being hermaphroditic. If a dominant male perishes, the largest female of the group will often morph to take its place.

Once acclimated to a new aquarium, anthias do best when fed a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched frozen brine shrimp, and over time may eat high-quality flake foods offered in small quantities throughout the day. An attached refugium cultivating copepods and amphipods provides a steady supply of nutritious live food sure to keep this active planktivore content.

Approximate Purchase Size: Female: Small 3/4" to 1-1/4", Medium 1-1/4" to 2", Large 2" to 3"; Male: Small 2" to 2-1/2", Medium 2-1/2" to 3" Large 3" to 4"