Female Yellow Square Anthias - Pseudanthias pleurotaenia
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The Female Square Anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia) is a bright Indo-Pacific reef fish with attractive yellow to yellow-orange coloration and active open-water behavior. Females lack the dramatic square flank blotch seen on mature males, but their vivid color and social nature make them excellent display fish for large, established reef aquariums with strong circulation and frequent feeding.
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Square (Yellow) Anthias – Female – Pseudanthias pleurotaenia Care Guide
The Female Square Anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia) is a colorful Indo-Pacific reef fish with bright yellow to yellow-orange coloration and constant open-water movement. While mature males are famous for the pale square-shaped blotch on their flanks, females have a cleaner yellow appearance that creates a striking contrast when maintained in social groups.
This species naturally gathers above reef drop-offs where moving water carries plankton past the group. In captivity, it does best in a large, mature aquarium with open swimming space, excellent water quality, and several small meals throughout the day.
Quick Care Guide
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful to Moderately Territorial
- Reef Safe: Yes
- Diet: Carnivore / Planktivore
- Minimum Tank Size: Approximately 125 gallons
- Maximum Species Size: Approximately 7.9 inches
- Natural Range: Indo-Pacific
- Typical Habitat: Current-swept reef edges and drop-offs
- Scientific Name: Pseudanthias pleurotaenia
Female Coloration and Appearance
Female Square Anthias are typically yellow to yellow-orange across much of the body, giving them a distinctly different appearance from mature males.
The characteristic square-shaped pale blotch associated with the species is principally a male feature and can vary considerably in size and intensity. In some males, it becomes especially prominent during nuptial display.
Females instead offer a brighter, more uniform appearance that works especially well when several individuals are maintained together.
Aquarium Requirements
Because Pseudanthias pleurotaenia is one of the larger anthias species, a mature aquarium of approximately 125 gallons or larger is recommended.
Provide:
- Long stretches of open swimming space
- Stable live rock structure
- Caves and overhangs for retreat
- Moderate to strong water movement
- Excellent filtration and oxygenation
The species naturally occupies moving water near reef edges, so strong circulation and ample open water above the rockwork are particularly useful.
A secure lid is also recommended because anthias can jump when startled.
Temperament and Compatibility
Female Square Anthias are generally peaceful with unrelated reef fish and can be maintained in social groups in sufficiently large aquariums.
FishBase records both single-sex and mixed-sex aggregations in the wild, with groups often hovering several meters above current-swept reef drop-offs. Juveniles tend to remain closer to shelter.
Suitable tankmates include:
- Clownfish
- Gobies
- Blennies
- Cardinalfish
- Wrasses
- Chromis
- Tangs
- Other appropriately sized reef fish
Avoid highly aggressive predators or dominant tankmates that prevent the anthias from feeding comfortably in open water.
Diet and Feeding
The Square Anthias is an active planktivore and performs best when offered several smaller meals throughout the day.
- Mysis shrimp
- Enriched brine shrimp
- Calanus
- Copepods
- Frozen zooplankton blends
- Finely chopped marine seafood
- High-quality small marine pellets
- Fine marine flakes
Foods carried through moderate current encourage natural feeding behavior and allow the fish to pick suspended particles from the water column.
Newly introduced individuals may acclimate more readily when offered frozen planktonic foods several times per day.
Is the Square Anthias Reef Safe?
Yes. The Square Anthias is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage corals or established ornamental invertebrates.
Its feeding behavior is focused on planktonic prey in the water column, making it a natural fit for larger mixed reef aquariums.
Natural Range and Habitat
Pseudanthias pleurotaenia has a broad Indo-Pacific distribution extending from Indonesia to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia, and into the eastern Indian Ocean around the Rowley Shoals and Christmas Island.
The species has been recorded from the surface to approximately 180 meters, although it is usually encountered in much shallower water, commonly above current-swept reef edges and drop-offs.
Recommended Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72–80°F
- Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Is the Female Square Anthias Right for Your Aquarium?
The Female Square Anthias is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a larger anthias with bright yellow coloration and constant movement in the upper portions of the aquarium.
Its adult size makes it better suited to spacious reef systems than many smaller anthias, and it performs best when provided with strong circulation, stable water quality, regular feeding, and compatible tankmates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Female Square Anthias look like?
Females are generally yellow to yellow-orange and lack the dramatic square-shaped flank blotch associated with mature males.
How large does a Square Anthias get?
The species can reach approximately 7.9 inches in total length.
Why is it called a Square Anthias if the female does not have a square?
The common name comes from the pale square-shaped flank blotch typically displayed by mature males. Females have a much more uniform yellow-orange appearance.
Is the Square Anthias reef safe?
Yes. It is generally reef safe and compatible with corals and established ornamental invertebrates.
Can Female Square Anthias be kept together?
Yes. The species naturally forms aggregations, and females can often be maintained together when the aquarium provides enough swimming space, shelter, and food.
How often should a Square Anthias be fed?
Several smaller meals per day are ideal because anthias naturally feed repeatedly on planktonic prey in moving water.
What should I feed a Female Square Anthias?
Offer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, Calanus, copepods, frozen zooplankton blends, and high-quality small marine pellets or flakes.
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