The Lyretail Anthias is commonly known as the Scalefin anthias. The males, tend to have bright red coloration, while the female lyretail anthias tends to be more orange in coloration. Though the Lyretail anthias generally occupy the middle of the aquarium, it appreciates the availability of several hiding places. They can be kept in a group of females and one male. The males will fight if there is more than one male in an aquarium. Anthias species all share the trait of being hermaphroditic. If all females are purchased, it is not unheard of that one female will change and become a male. Note: Anthias are somewhat difficult to keep healthy in captivity and so they should not be kept by inexperienced saltwater aquarists. Diet should include a variety of a steady supply of copepods, frozen mysis and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, as well as high quality flake foods 3-5 times daily.
