The Maldives 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 Maldives 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.
The diet is consistent with other members of the Anthias group – zooplankton and floating filamentous algae. In the aquarium, it should be fed a varied diet of mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, frozen preparations and other meaty items for zooplankton feeders. They prefer to be fed small quantities, several times daily.
Quick Stats:
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12
Max. Size: 5″
Color Form: Orange, Red
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Maldives
Family: Serranidae
