Squareback Anthias (Female)

Details

The Squareback Anthias, also known as the Squarespot, Purple Blotch Basslet, Squareblock, Square, or Mirror Anthias, is recognized for its striking color variations. Females have a predominantly yellow body with a lavender belly and often display a thin blue line extending from the nose to the pectoral fin. Males, on the other hand, are mostly pink with a lavender belly and feature a lighter, rectangular marking on their side.

To maintain its vibrant coloration, this species thrives in an aquarium with low, indirect lighting. While it prefers to swim at mid-tank levels, it has been observed at depths of up to 600 feet in the wild. A single Squareback Anthias requires at least a 380-litre tank, but if kept in a group, a 680-litre tank is recommended to provide ample swimming space.

Like all Anthias, this species is hermaphroditicif the dominant male is lost, the largest female in the group will often transition into a male.

Once acclimated, Squareback Anthias do best on a varied diet, including frozen mysis shrimp, enriched frozen brine shrimp, and, over time, high-quality flake foods. Feeding small portions multiple times a day is ideal. A refugium cultivating copepods and amphipods ensures a consistent supply of nutritious live food, keeping this active planktivore healthy and satisfied.

Super high quality stock, readily feeding on frozen food, including mysis, brine and EMA Mega Fish & Coral Mix.