Square Anthias, Pseudanthias pluerotania, also go by the name Square Spot Fairy Basslet. There is a large amount of variation within this species. In general, female Square Anthias are a warm yellow or orange colour, with a pair of purple lines running from their mouth to gill. Male Square Anthias have brightly coloured bodies. The males can be: red, purple, pink, orange or a combination of colours. They are often distinguishable by a square mark on either side of their body.
Square Anthias, Pseudanthias pluerotania, Ecology.
These fish are found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. They live on and around: coral reefs, steep slopes, channels, drop offs or caves. The complex structures help the fish dodge predators. When feeling threatened, they will quickly vanish and anchor themselves into nooks and crannies.
In nature, Square Anthias feed passively, as do most types of Anthias. Which means they stay in relatively still positions, while facing the current. When Pelagic zooplankton drifts towards them in the water, the fish snatch their food up. With this method, the hunters easily get hold of small critters and eggs, while using up the smallest amount of energy possible. Feeding is fairly constant, although other behaviours punctuate this activity.
These are fish that live in social groups, with one male to around 5 or more females. Square Anthias are also protogynous hermaphrodites. Which means when the top male dies, the largest female in the group will turn male. It will then become the new breeding male. As a result, all juvenile Square Anthias, are in fact immature females.
Square Spot Fairy Basslet In the Aquarium.
It is important to have good currents and regular feeding in order to imitate the natural environment. A wave maker can help with this. Hobbyists should think about using a jump guard to stop any unfortunate mishaps.
Square Anthias do best when fed a varied diet. They will accept frozen mysis shrimp and enriched frozen brine shrimp. They will also eat live foods, such as copepods and amphipods, that can be cultivated in attached refugium. Over time, these fish may have small amounts of high quality flake food as well. Our Anthias are adapted to aquarium life and most are eating a good quality frozen food, enriched with garlic guard and vitamins, before being offered for sale. We find that the best way to keep this species is in a small group. Hobbyists should aim to keep at least 1 Male Square Anthias with 3 or more females.
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