A great Squareback Male Anthias!
Origin: Eastern Asia

Size info:
Size L: approx. 3.5 - 4.75"

There once was a Squareback Male Anthias,
Whose colors could rival the fanciest pajamas,
With a sleek, square-shaped head,
And a glowing red spread,
He's a fish that's sure to bring the drama!

His fins are incredibly pronounced,
And his blue eyes are simply pronounced,
In the sea, he's quite the sight,
A true showstopper under the light,
This Anthias is something to be announced.

He's a social fish, living in a pack,
And they'll follow their leader without any slack,
But don't be fooled by his beauty,
As he's a fighter through and through,
A true warrior, ready to attack!

So if you spot this Squareback Male,
Take a moment to admire his colorful scale,
And know that you're lucky to see,
One of the coolest fish in the sea,
A true wonder of marine life to unveil!

Keeping Squareback Male Anthias in an Aquarium

The Squareback Male Anthias, also known as Pseudanthias pleurotaenia, is a popular fish among aquarium enthusiasts. They are known for their vibrant colors and active behavior, making them a great addition to any reef tank.

Tank Requirements

Squareback Male Anthias are relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of around 4 inches. They require a tank size of at least 75 gallons with plenty of hiding places and open swimming space. They also prefer a well-established reef tank with plenty of live rock and corals for hiding and grazing.

Diet

These fish are omnivores and require a varied diet consisting of both meaty and plant-based foods. They will eat a variety of small crustaceans, copepods, and other small invertebrates in the wild, so it's important to provide a varied diet in captivity. They also enjoy grazing on algae and other plant matter.

Behavior

Squareback Male Anthias are active and social fish that do best in groups of at least six individuals. They are known for their unique swimming behavior, which involves darting back and forth in the water column. This behavior is thought to be a way of communicating with other fish and establishing dominance within the group.

Coolest Stuff

• Squareback Male Anthias have a unique coloration, with a bright orange body and blue accents on their fins and tail.
• They are one of the few fish that exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism, with males having a square-shaped head and a more vibrant coloration than females.
• These fish are known for their unique swimming behavior, which is thought to be a way of communicating with other fish and establishing dominance within the group.
• Squareback Male Anthias are active and social fish that do best in groups of at least six individuals.