Squareback Anthias
Pseudanthias pleurotaenia
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Anthias
Family: Serranidae
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Squareback Anthias
General information
The Squareback Anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia) is a popular saltwater aquarium species due to its vibrant coloration and active swimming behavior. It has a compressed body with a distinctive square-shaped tail, which gives it its common name. The males of this species are typically larger and more brightly colored than the females. They can reach a maximum size of up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length.
Diet & nutrition
In the wild, Squareback Anthias feed primarily on zooplankton. In captivity, they should be fed a varied diet of frozen or live foods, such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and other small crustaceans.
Determining sex
Males of this species are typically larger and more brightly colored than females.
Breeding & spawning
Squareback Anthias are known to spawn in the wild, but breeding them in captivity can be difficult. They are hermaphroditic, meaning that they have both male and female reproductive organs, and can change sex in response to environmental cues.
Diseases
Like all aquarium species, Squareback Anthias are susceptible to various diseases, including bacterial infections, parasites, and fungal infections. It's important to maintain good water quality and monitor the fish for signs of illness.
Origination
The Squareback Anthias is found in the western Pacific Ocean, from Japan to the Philippines, and south to Australia.
Cautions
Squareback Anthias are generally peaceful and can be kept in a community aquarium with other non-aggressive species. However, they may become aggressive towards other anthias species, especially during feeding. They also require good water quality and a well-established aquarium.
Acclimation process
When introducing Squareback Anthias to a new aquarium, it's important to acclimate them slowly to the new environment. This can be done by floating the bag containing the fish in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes to allow the water temperatures to equalize, then slowly adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag over a period of an hour or two before finally releasing the fish into the aquarium.
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