Lyretail Anthias

The Lyretail Anthias is one of the most abundant and widely recognized reef fish in the Indo-Pacific, where it forms massive aggregations along reef drop-offs and current-swept slopes. Males are a spectacular purple-magenta with elongated dorsal fin rays and a deeply forked lyrate tail, while females display a warm golden-orange coloration. This dramatic sexual dimorphism makes a group containing both sexes an exceptionally beautiful display.

In the aquarium, Lyretail Anthias are active, open-water swimmers that bring constant motion and color to the upper water column. They are best kept in groups, ideally one male with several females, in a tank with strong water flow and ample swimming space. These fish are protogynous hermaphrodites: all individuals begin as female, and the dominant female in a group will transform into a male if the existing male is lost.

The primary challenge with Lyretail Anthias is their high metabolic rate and need for frequent feeding. They require at least three to four small feedings per day to maintain body condition, as they naturally feed continuously on zooplankton in the wild. An established refugium or automatic feeder can be extremely helpful. Water quality must be pristine, and regular water changes are essential. Despite these demands, their breathtaking beauty and active schooling behavior make them a centerpiece species in many reef aquariums.