Squarespot anthias

The squarespot anthias is a colorful marine fish in the family Serranidae, native to the western Pacific. Males are striking magenta-purple with a distinctive rectangular pinkish patch on the flank, while females are a solid golden-orange, reflecting the sequential hermaphroditism typical of anthias. It is a peaceful, planktivorous shoaling fish that should be kept as one male with several females; keeping females allows one to change sex if the male is lost. A large reef aquarium with strong water flow, ample live rock for shelter, and open swimming space is recommended. As a planktivore it feeds continuously in the wild, so it requires multiple daily feedings of mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and other small meaty foods to maintain condition. It is reef-safe and adds constant activity and color to a well-stocked reef system.