Pseudanthias squamipinnis – Sea Goldie
The scientific name of this fish species is Pseudanthias squamipinnis . The species was first described by Wilhelm Peters in 1855. The Dutch name is Rode Vlagbaars. Pseudanthias squamipinnis belongs to the family Anthiadidae (formerly classified in the Serranidae).
The genus name Pseudanthias is derived from Greek and means “false Anthias”, referring to the similarity to the genus Anthias , but with distinguishing features. The specific epithet squamipinnis is from the Latin “squamus” (scale) and “pinnis” (fin), referring to the scales that partially cover the fins.
Synonyms: Serranus squamipinnis, Anthias squamipinnis, Franzia squamipinnis.
Appearance, Behavior and Life Expectancy of Pseudanthias squamipinnis
General Description
Pseudanthias squamipinnis, commonly known as the Sea Goldie, has an oval, laterally flattened body. Its head is typically pink to reddish in color, while its sides range from yellow to orange, sometimes with hints of pink or purple. There is often a yellow or orange stripe that extends from the upper lip, through the bottom of the eye, to the base of the pectoral fin. The scales may have a red edge, and the fins are usually reddish or pink, occasionally featuring blue or purple edges. This species can reach a maximum total length of about 15 centimeters, with females generally being smaller than males.
Sexual Dimorphism and Development
There are distinct differences between male and female fish. Males are typically more vividly colored, showcasing a brighter red-to-violet body hue and longer fins, especially the third dorsal fin ray, which is significantly elongated. In contrast, females tend to be paler, displaying shades of orange to pink. Behavioral differences also exist: males are territorial and often defend a harem of females. The species Pseudanthias squamipinnis is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning that if the dominant male dies, females can develop into males. Juveniles are less brightly colored than adults.
Behavior and Temperament
Pseudanthias squamipinnis is typically a peaceful fish; however, it can exhibit aggression towards others of its kind if there is not enough space. These fish live in schools, usually consisting of one dominant male and several females. They are not shy and primarily swim in the midwater, above coral formations.
Life expectancy
The available documents do not specifically mention the life expectancy of Pseudanthias squamipinnis in the wild. However, in captivity, they can live for about 5 to 7 years. Providing good care, ample space, and a varied diet is essential for ensuring a long life in an aquarium setting.
Biotope and Ecology of Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Pseudanthias squamipinnis is found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific Ocean, including the Red Sea, Mozambique, South Africa, Japan, Australia, and the Marshall Islands. They inhabit diverse ecosystems, such as coral reefs, lagoons, and the fringes of reefs.
These fish do not live in open water, but prefer the shelter of coral reefs and lagoons. Their natural habitat is characterized by an abundance of coral and rocks, which provide shelter. The bottom often consists of sand or coral grit.
Diet
Diet in the wild
Pseudanthias squamipinnis is a planktivorous fish that in the wild feeds primarily on zooplankton, small crustaceans and other small organisms that live in the water column. They filter their food from the water.
Diet in the aquarium:
In an aquarium, Pseudanthias squamipinnis can be fed a varied diet of high quality, commercially available foods such as:
- Specially formulated food for reef fish.
- Frozen food such as mysis shrimp, krill and artemia.
- Live food such as cyclops and other small zooplankton.
It is crucial to feed small amounts multiple times a day, especially for newly purchased fish. A varied diet is vital for their health and vibrant colors.
Reefsafe
Pseudanthias squamipinnis is generally considered reef safe. They do not consume coral, polyps, or shrimp. Their diet primarily consists of plankton and small organisms found in the water column.
The Aquarium
For a group of at least three Pseudanthias squamipinnis, ideally consisting of one male and several females, an aquarium of at least 300 liters is recommended. However, a larger aquarium of 500 liters or more is strongly advised, especially if you plan to keep multiple pairs. A spacious environment helps reduce aggression among males and provides ample room for the fish to swim.
When setting up the aquarium, include plenty of rocks and hiding places to create a sense of security for the fish. While coral is not strictly necessary, it can enhance the aquarium’s aesthetic, provided that the fish do not damage it. A sandy bottom is the most suitable substrate for this setup.
Water parameters
The ideal water conditions for Pseudanthias squamipinnis are a temperature of 24-28°C, a pH of 8.0-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025 and a stable nitrogen cycle with low levels of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.
Introduction to the aquarium
It is important to let the aquarium mature well before introducing Pseudanthias squamipinnis . Wait until the nitrogen cycle is fully established and the water parameters are stable. It is not necessary to wait for algae to grow.
Compatibility with other tank mates:
Pseudanthias squamipinnis can be housed with other peaceful reef fish; however, it is important to avoid aggressive species that could stress or harm the anthias. The suitability of tank mates will depend on the size of the aquarium and the individual personalities of the fish. While specific examples of compatible tank mates can vary, they typically include small, peaceful reef fish. It’s essential to thoroughly research the compatibility of each species before adding them to the same tank.
Breeding Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Little is known about the reproduction of this species. The species is a pelagic spawner, meaning that the eggs float in the water column and receive no parental care. The duration of hatching, the onset of free swimming, the first food and the survival rate of the young are therefore not known from the available documents.
Pseudanthias squamipinnis details
- Color Variation: The documents indicate considerable color variation within the species, depending on sex, age, and geographic location. Males generally exhibit more intense colors than females.
- Protogynous Hermaphroditism: Pseudanthias squamipinnis is a protogynous hermaphrodite. This means that individuals are born female and can change sex under certain circumstances (for example, after the disappearance of the dominant male).
- Social Behavior: The species lives in schools with a harem structure consisting of one dominant male and several females. The dominant male defends his harem against other males, which can lead to aggression between the males in too small aquariums.
- Length: The maximum length of the fish is indicated differently: Standard length 12 centimeters, total length (including tail 15 centimeters.
- Aquarium: Although the species is considered relatively easy to keep, a spacious aquarium with sufficient hiding places and a varied diet is essential. Regular feeding, several times a day, is recommended, especially for newly purchased fish. The fish can jump out of the aquarium, so a lid is recommended.
- Captive Reproduction: Although captive reproduction is possible, the success rate is not high and little detailed information is available on breeding methods.
- Diet: The diet consists mainly of zooplankton, but in aquariums they will accept other foods, such as frozen foods and specially formulated foods.
- Reef safe: The species is generally reef safe, but may eat small shrimp.
Conclusion
Pseudanthias squamipinnis is a fish with an attractive appearance and relatively easy to keep in an aquarium, provided that certain conditions are met. However, they are not beginners’ fish. A spacious tank (at least 300 liters, but preferably larger), good water quality, a varied diet with frequent small feedings and sufficient hiding places are essential. The protogynous hermaphroditism, in which females can develop into males, is a remarkable characteristic. Aggression between males can occur in aquariums that are too small or have insufficient hiding places. A group of at least three fish (one male and several females) is recommended.
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
Doug Anderson
John de Lange
Rudolf Diesel – CC BY-NC 4.0
