Description

Squareback Anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia) – Description & Care Guide

🔷 Common Names:

• Squareback Anthias

• Square Spot Anthias

• Purple Blotch Anthias

🐟 Description:

• Scientific Name: Pseudanthias pleurotaenia

• Origin: Indo-Pacific, especially around Indonesia, Fiji, and the Great Barrier Reef

• Size: Males up to 6–7 inches (15–18 cm); females usually smaller

• Coloration:

  • Males: Striking pink, lavender, and orange coloration with a vivid magenta square or rectangle on the flank (hence the name).

  • Females: More subdued—orange to reddish with a yellow belly and no square.

• Sexual Dimorphism: Highly pronounced. Males can be aggressive toward each other if space is limited.

🏝️ Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons (473 liters) or larger

• Environment:

  • Plenty of open swimming space

  • Caves and rocky overhangs for hiding

  • Moderate water movement

  • Strong filtration (they appreciate high oxygen levels)

• Reef Safe: ✅ Yes – does not harm corals or inverts

🧪 Water Parameters:

🍽️ Diet:

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times per day

• Diet Type: Carnivorous

• Foods:

  • Enriched mysis shrimp

  • Copepods

  • Frozen plankton

  • High-quality pellet/flake food (suitable for carnivores)

  • Occasional live foods help stimulate eating, especially for new arrivals

💡 Squarebacks often take time to start eating in captivity; target feeding may be needed at first.

⚠️ Behavior & Compatibility:

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, especially males toward each other

• Social Structure:

  • Haremic: One dominant male with several females

  • Keep 1 male with 3–5 females

  • Females can transition to male if the dominant male dies

• Compatible Tank Mates:

  • Other peaceful to semi-aggressive reef fish

  • Avoid housing with large, overly aggressive tank mates or multiple males in small tanks

🧠 Special Notes:

• Anthias species are prone to nutritional deficiencies if not fed frequently and diversely

• Can be shy at first – provide shaded areas and dimmer lighting to help them acclimate

• A covered tank is recommended – excellent jumpers