How to Identify Lyretail Anthias

To identify Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Females are typically orange to golden-yellow, often with a reddish stripe running from the eye to the pectoral fin. Males are more intensely colored, ranging from magenta to reddish-purple, with an elongated third dorsal spine and a distinctively lyre-shaped (forked) caudal fin. Males also often display a red blotch on the pectoral fin and a more pronounced red or purple stripe along the body.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Pronounced sexual dimorphism in coloration and finnage, Elongated third dorsal spine in males, Lyre-shaped caudal fin in males, Small, ctenoid scales, Large eyes relative to head size

Dorsal fin

10 spines, 15-17 soft rays; third dorsal spine notably elongated in males.

Tail fin

Deeply forked (lyre-shaped) in males, less so in females.

Pectoral fin

16-18 rays, often with a red blotch in males.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are relatively long and pointed.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Sexual Dimorphism

   The most striking identification feature is the difference between males and females. Females are uniformly orange-yellow, while males are larger, more reddish-purple, and possess an elongated third dorsal spine and a lyre-shaped caudal fin.

2. 2

   Schooling Behavior

   Lyretail Anthias are almost always observed in large, active schools hovering above coral formations, feeding on zooplankton in the water column. This schooling behavior is characteristic.

3. 3

   Fin Shape (Males)

   The elongated third dorsal spine and the deeply forked, lyre-shaped caudal fin of the male are unique and easily identifiable features.

4. 4

   Habitat Preference

   Look for them in areas of strong current on reef slopes and drop-offs, where they can feed on passing zooplankton.

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