The Orangehead Anthias, also known as Pseudanthias squamipinnis, is a popular aquarium fish species found in the Indo-Pacific region. Belonging to the family Serranidae, this fish is known for its vibrant coloration and lively behavior, making it a popular addition to many home aquariums.
The Orangehead Anthias has an elongated and laterally compressed body, with a forked caudal fin and a pointed head. They can grow up to 4 inches in length and are sexually dimorphic, with males being larger and displaying brighter coloration than females. Males have a pinkish-orange body with a bright yellow dorsal fin, while females have a pale pink body and a yellow dorsal fin.
The Orangehead Anthias is mainly pinkish-orange in color with a bright yellow dorsal fin, which extends from the back of the head to the base of the tail. They have a distinct orange head, with two horizontal blue stripes running across their face, and their fins are outlined in blue. The bright coloration of the Orangehead Anthias is due to the presence of pigments in their skin, which can change depending on their mood and environment.
In their natural habitat, Orangehead Anthias can be found in large shoals around coral reefs, where they feed on zooplankton and small crustaceans. They are active swimmers and need plenty of space in their aquarium to swim around. They are known to be relatively peaceful, but males can become territorial towards each other and may fight for dominance. Orangehead Anthias do best in a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock and hiding places.
In terms of fashion, the Orangehead Anthias is a popular fish among aquarists due to their bright and vibrant coloration, which adds a pop of color to any aquarium. They are also a popular species for reef tanks, as they are not known to damage coral or other invertebrates. However, due to their small size and active swimming behavior, they may require more frequent feedings than other fish species in the aquarium.