Orange Lyretail Anthias

Orange Lyretail Anthias injects a vibrant burst of color and nonstop movement into any saltwater or reef-ready aquarium. With a striking orange body and a lyre-shaped tail, this active, peaceful schooling fish becomes a dynamic centerpiece that lights up the tank and sparks endless observation. Ideal for experienced hobbyists with a mature system, the Orange Lyretail Anthias truly shines when kept in groups and given plenty of swimming space.

• Vibrant coloration – brilliant orange body accented by a distinctive lyretail fin that pops under reef lighting.
• Social personality – thrives in small to medium groups (3–6 individuals); enjoys the company of compatible tankmates.
• Reef-safe with caveats – generally peaceful and reef-friendly, though some individuals may nip at very delicate invertebrates in certain setups.
• Active swimmer – loves open water avenues and requires ample space to explore and patrol the tank’s upper to mid levels.
• Accent for aquascapes – adds dynamic movement and a pop of color that enhances any marine or reef display.

Care at a glance

The Orange Lyretail Anthias is a mid-to-high care level fish that benefits from a stable, mature system. Provide a structured environment with hiding places and a healthy bioload to keep it stress-free and thriving.

• Tank size – minimum 30 gallons for a small group; larger tanks support bigger, more natural schooling behavior.
• Water parameters – temperature 76–82°F (24–28°C); pH 8.1–8.4; salinity 1.023–1.026; alkalinity 8–12 dKH.
• Lighting & décor – moderate to bright lighting; provide rocks, caves, and overhangs for hiding and perching during the day.
• Diet & feeding – omnivorous and predatory by nature; feed small, frequent meals (4–6 times daily) with high-quality frozen or live meaty foods such as Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
• Maintenance – maintain stable parameters with regular water changes and vigilant monitoring of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and salinity.

Diet & feeding

In the aquarium, the Orange Lyretail Anthias thrives on small, frequent feedings that mirror its natural hunting rhythm. Offer a varied diet of high-quality frozen foods, live phyto and zooplankton, and finely chopped seafood. Regular, multiple daily feedings help maintain color, vitality, and activity while supporting a healthy immune system.

Compatibility & habitat

Best kept in a species-appropriate group within a larger, peaceful community. Pair with other calm, reef-safe fish and avoid overly aggressive tankmates. Ensure plenty of swimming space and robust filtration to support its active lifestyle and the water quality required for a thriving reef aquarium.