Indian Ocean Lyretail Anthias

This Indian Ocean Lyretail Anthias is often referred to as the Scalefin. Males have reddish hues. The females are more orange. These fish are very active and assist in attracting smaller fish that are in their tank. It is believed that the Indian Ocean Lyretail Anthias does best in a tank that is specific to the species, at least 125 gallons for an entire group. Males prefer to be kept with females alone. The Anthias is a dweller within the middle of the tank but is fond of a variety of hiding spots.   Anthias species share the feature that they are hermaphroditic. If the dominant male dies the biggest female in the group is likely to change to take over its place.   After acclimating to a fresh aquarium, the anthias perform optimally when given a diverse diet consisting of frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp and, over time, may consume high quality flake foods in small amounts throughout the daytime. A refugium attached to the tank that cultivates amphipods and copepods will provide an ongoing supply of healthy live food that will keep the active planktivore levels.   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"