Lyretail Anthias (Sea Goldie): The Golden Shoaling Fish

The Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), often referred to as the Sea Goldie, Scalefin Anthias, or simply Orange Anthias (referring to the female coloration), is one of the most popular and relatively hardy species of anthias in the marine hobby. This fish is known for its constant activity, beautiful color-shifting patterns, and distinct social structure, making it a spectacular addition to the large reef aquarium.

Native to the Indo-West Pacific, including the Red Sea, this species lives in massive schools on outer reef slopes and channels. The Lyretail Anthias is sexually dimorphic. Females are generally smaller and boast a uniform golden-orange color with a purple-rimmed streak below the eye. The dominant males are larger, more vibrant, and feature a striking magenta to purplish-red body, a deeply lyre-shaped tail, and an elongated third dorsal spine.

This species is a protogynous hermaphrodite; all individuals are born female, and the dominant female in a social group will change into a male if the current male is removed or dies. Due to their active nature and schooling requirement, a minimum tank size of 75-125 gallons is recommended for a small group or "harem" (one male with 3-5 females). A tight-fitting lid is mandatory as they are known jumpers, especially when startled.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Lyretail Anthias is a Carnivore and a demanding Plankton Feeder with a high metabolism. In the wild, they feed constantly on zooplankton floating in the water column. In captivity, they must be fed small amounts of food at least 2-3 times per day, and ideally 3-4 times. They require a varied diet of fine, meaty frozen foods like enriched mysis shrimp, copepods, enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality fine marine pellets or flakes. Failure to feed frequently is the leading cause of poor health and death.
• Social Structure: They thrive in a harem structure (one male with multiple females). Housing more than one male in an aquarium less than 180 gallons is not recommended, as the dominant male will relentlessly harass a subordinate male. They should be introduced to the tank as a group of females or juveniles, allowing the dominant specimen to naturally transition into the male.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Completely Reef Safe. This wrasse will not bother corals or sessile invertebrates. Caution is sometimes advised with the smallest, most ornamental shrimp species, but they are generally safe with most clean-up crew members.
• Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive / Active. They are peaceful toward most other fish but can be semi-aggressive toward smaller or less boisterous planktivores, particularly their own kind or other anthias. They should be housed with peaceful to semi-aggressive fish that will not harass them or compete too fiercely for food.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Pseudanthias squamipinnis
• Primary Common Name: Lyretail Anthias
• Other Common Names: Sea Goldie, Scalefin Anthias, Orange Anthias
• Origin: Indo-West Pacific, Red Sea
• Max Size: Male: 6 inches (15 cm); Female: 3 inches (7 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Active (Haremic Shoaler)
• Diet: Carnivore (High-frequency Plankton Feeder)
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallons (for single/pair); 125+ Gallons (for group/harem)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Completely safe with corals and most inverts)