Saltwater Aquarium Guide: Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias cheirospilos)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
• Maximum Size: 5 inches
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.020-1.025, Temperature 72-78°F

Comprehensive Guide: Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias cheirospilos)

The Lyretail Anthias, also known as Pseudanthias cheirospilos, is a beautiful saltwater fish species popular among aquarium enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide will cover various aspects of keeping Lyretail Anthias in a saltwater aquarium.

Habitat:

The Lyretail Anthias is found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the waters around Indonesia and the Philippines. They inhabit coral reefs and are often found in small groups.

Reef Safe:

The Lyretail Anthias is considered reef-safe and compatible with a reef aquarium setup. However, it is important to note that they may nip at small polyp stony corals or clam mantles, so caution should be exercised when keeping them with delicate corals.

Size:

The Lyretail Anthias can grow up to 5 inches long, making them a relatively small fish species suitable for smaller aquariums.

Temperament:

Lyretail Anthias are generally peaceful fish and can be kept in community aquariums. However, keeping them in small groups is recommended to mimic their natural behavior and reduce aggression between individuals.

Sexual Dimorphism:

The Lyretail Anthias exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have different appearances. The females have a yellow body with a purple head, while the males have a more vibrant coloration with a lyre-shaped tail, hence the name “Lyretail” Anthias.

Lifespan:

The average lifespan of Lyretail Anthias in captivity is around 3 to 5 years. With proper care and a suitable environment, they can live longer.

Diet in Aquariums:

Lyretail Anthias are carnivorous fish and require a varied diet consisting of high-quality frozen and live foods. They should be fed multiple times daily to ensure enough nutrition.

Aquascaping Recommendations:

When setting up the aquarium for Lyretail Anthias, it is important to provide plenty of hiding places and open swimming areas. They prefer a well-established reef tank with live rock and corals. Adding branching corals or gorgonians can provide additional hiding spots and enhance their natural habitat.

Captive Bred Availability:

The Lyretail Anthias is available as captive-bred specimens, which are often considered hardier and more adaptable to aquarium conditions compared to wild-caught individuals. Captive-bred fish also help reduce the impact on wild populations.

Compatibility with Other Fish, Invertebrates, or Corals:

Lyretail Anthias are generally peaceful and can be kept with various tankmates. However, choosing compatible species with similar water parameter requirements and temperaments is important. Here are five specific tankmates that are good choices:

1. Clownfish: Clownfish are known for their compatibility with many fish species, including Lyretail Anthias. They are peaceful and can add vibrant colors to the aquarium.
2. Firefish: Firefish are peaceful and can coexist with Lyretail Anthias. They are also known for their unique swimming behavior, which is of interest to the aquarium.
3. Royal Dottyback: Royal Dottyback is a small, peaceful fish that can be a good tankmate for Lyretail Anthias. They have striking coloration and can add visual appeal to the aquarium.
4. Banggai Cardinalfish: Banggai Cardinalfish are peaceful and can coexist with Lyretail Anthias. They are known for their unique appearance and interesting behavior.
5. Cleaner Shrimp: Cleaner Shrimp can be a great addition to a Lyretail Anthias aquarium. They help maintain the tank’s cleanliness and provide an interesting interaction with the fish.

Other Common Names:

The Lyretail Anthias is also known by other common names, including the Scalefin Anthias and the Yellowtail Anthias.

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Popular Questions and Answers:

Q: What tank size is recommended for keeping Lyretail Anthias?

A: A minimum tank size of 70 gallons is recommended for keeping Lyretail Anthias. However, larger tanks provide more swimming space and allow more individuals to be kept.

Q: Can Lyretail Anthias be kept with aggressive fish species?

A: It is generally not recommended to keep Lyretail Anthias with aggressive fish species. Their peaceful nature may make them vulnerable to aggression, leading to stress and potential harm.

Q: How often should Lyretail Anthias be fed?

A: Lyretail Anthias should be fed multiple times daily with a varied diet of high-quality frozen and live foods. Regular feeding helps maintain their health and vibrant coloration.

Q: Can Lyretail Anthias be kept in a fish-only aquarium?

A: While Lyretail Anthias can be kept in a fish-only aquarium, they thrive best in a well-established reef tank with live rock and corals. The presence of a natural environment enhances their overall well-being.

Q: Are Lyretail Anthias suitable for beginner hobbyists?

A: Lyretail Anthias are generally suitable for hobbyists with experience keeping saltwater aquariums. They have specific care requirements and should be housed in a properly maintained tank.