The Orange (Blue Eye) Anthias, also known as the Scale fin fish or Lyretail Anthias, is a stunningly colorful fish that is highly sought after by many aquarium enthusiasts. These fish are known for their vibrant orange coloration, which is highlighted by bright blue eyes. Female Lyretail Anthias tends to be more orange in coloration, while the male blue eye anthias display bright red coloration of varying hues. In order to keep your female Orange (Blue Eye) Anthias healthy and happy, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
Female Orange (Blue Eye) Anthias need a minimum tank size of 75 gallons, although larger tanks are always better. These fish are quite active swimmers, and they need plenty of open space to move around.
These fish are sensitive to changes in water quality, so it's important to keep the water parameters stable. The ideal water temperature for Orange (Blue Eye) Anthias is between 72°F and 78°F, with a pH of 8.1 to 8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.020 to 1.025.
Female Orange (Blue Eye) Anthias are carnivores, and they need a varied diet that includes both meaty foods and algae. Offer them a mix of high-quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and chopped clams. You can also offer them algae-based foods such as nori or spirulina flakes.
These fish are generally peaceful, but they can become aggressive towards other fish that have a similar body shape or coloration. Avoid keeping them with other Anthias, unless you have a very large tank with plenty of hiding places. Female Orange (Blue Eye) Anthias can be kept with other peaceful fish that are similar in size and temperament.
Female Orange (Blue Eye) Anthias are reef-safe, but they do require adequate lighting to maintain their bright coloration. Use high-quality LED or T5 lighting to provide the necessary spectrum of light.
When introducing your new female Orange (Blue Eye) Anthias to your tank, it's important to acclimate them slowly. Float the bag in the tank for 15-20 minutes to equalize the temperature, then add a small amount of tank water to the bag every 5-10 minutes until the water volume in the bag has doubled. Finally, use a net to transfer the fish into the tank.
By following these care guidelines, you can help ensure that your female Orange (Blue Eye) Anthias stays healthy and happy in your aquarium.
Note: Anthias fish are somewhat difficult to keep healthy in captivity and so they should not be kept by inexperienced saltwater aquarists.
