Description
Pseudanthias pleurotaenia
Squareback Anthias are brilliantly colored reef fish that add vivid pinks, oranges, and purples to any aquarium. Best kept in groups, they thrive in a harem structure with one male and several females. Like other anthias, they are protogynous hermaphrodites, with the dominant female capable of transforming into a male if needed. Within the harem, males display bolder coloration and actively interact with females, creating a lively and engaging display. Native to the Indo-West Pacific, including Indonesia, Micronesia, Samoa, New Caledonia, and Australia, Squareback Anthias are found along outer reef slopes and drop-offs at depths of 30–80 feet, often schooling above the reef in strong currents. To replicate their natural environment, provide rockwork with caves and crevices for shelter, along with open mid-water space for swimming. A secure lid is essential, as they are prone to jumping when startled. Males are unmistakable with their deep pink to orange body and a large purple square on their flanks, accented by red dorsal tips and mauve-tinted fins. Females and juveniles are yellow-orange with two faint purple stripes along the body and softer overall coloration. Squareback Anthias are peaceful and reef-safe, though males may show territorial behavior within the harem. With a high metabolism, they require a varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and finely chopped seafoods. To maintain health and coloration, they should be fed multiple times per day. Reaching up to 8 inches, Squareback Anthias require a minimum aquarium size of 100 gallons for a single specimen, with larger systems of 150 gallons or more preferred when housing a group.
Squareback Anthias are brilliantly colored reef fish that add vivid pinks, oranges, and purples to any aquarium. Best kept in groups, they thrive in a harem structure with one male and several females. Like other anthias, they are protogynous hermaphrodites, with the dominant female capable of transforming into a male if needed. Within the harem, males display bolder coloration and actively interact with females, creating a lively and engaging display. Native to the Indo-West Pacific, including Indonesia, Micronesia, Samoa, New Caledonia, and Australia, Squareback Anthias are found along outer reef slopes and drop-offs at depths of 30–80 feet, often schooling above the reef in strong currents. To replicate their natural environment, provide rockwork with caves and crevices for shelter, along with open mid-water space for swimming. A secure lid is essential, as they are prone to jumping when startled. Males are unmistakable with their deep pink to orange body and a large purple square on their flanks, accented by red dorsal tips and mauve-tinted fins. Females and juveniles are yellow-orange with two faint purple stripes along the body and softer overall coloration. Squareback Anthias are peaceful and reef-safe, though males may show territorial behavior within the harem. With a high metabolism, they require a varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and finely chopped seafoods. To maintain health and coloration, they should be fed multiple times per day. Reaching up to 8 inches, Squareback Anthias require a minimum aquarium size of 100 gallons for a single specimen, with larger systems of 150 gallons or more preferred when housing a group.
3 DAY GUARANTEE | Hassle Free | 100% Satisfaction | Online Orders Only
