Squarespot Anthias is a colorful reef fish found in the Pacific Ocean. It’s also called Pink Square Anthias, Mirror Basslet, or Squarespot Fairy Basslet.
This fish belongs to the Anthiinae subfamily of the Serranidae family which includes groupers and sea basses.
It’s occasionally found in the aquarium trade. They usually form separate groups based on gender near drop-offs with strong currents.
Younger fish prefer to stay close to the shelter for protection. Although not common in aquariums, they are reef-safe.
Squarespot Anthias Interesting Facts
- Squarespot anthias are colorful reef fish found in the Pacific Ocean, living at depths of 33 to 591 feet.
- These fish change gender from female to male based on environmental and social factors, forming separate groups by gender.
- Squarespot anthias can grow up to 20 cm (7.9 in) long, with males displaying deep pink and orange colors while females and young ones have yellowish hues with purple stripes.
- They are considered reef safe but are not commonly found in aquariums.
Squarespot Anthias Habitat
Squarespot anthias, scientifically known as Pseudanthias pleurotaenia, is a fish found in the Pacific Ocean.
Its habitat ranges from Indonesia to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia and Rowley Shoals, and even Christmas Island.
These fish live in marine environments near reefs and can be found at depths of 33 to 591 feet (10 to 180 meters).
They prefer warm tropical waters with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 27°C (71.6°F to 80.6°F) and are typically found between latitudes of 30°N and 23°S.
| Water Temperature: | 71.6°F to 80.6°F (22°C to 27°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Squarespot Anthias Physical Characteristics
Size: 7.9 inches (20.0 centimeters)
Squarespot anthias can grow up to 7.9 inches (20.0 centimeters) long.
Males have deep pink and orange colors with purple markings, while females and young ones are yellowish with orange edges on their scales and two purple stripes.
This fish has 10 dorsal spines, 16 to 18 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 6 to 7 anal soft rays.
The color and size of its pale blotch can change, sometimes appearing blue in natural light.
This blotch may be absent or cover almost half of the body when displaying mating colors.
At Rowley Shoals in Australia, the blotch only appears during mating.
Squarespot anthias is known to have a deep body (2.4 to 2.7 times its length), no fleshy bump on the upper lip in males, an extended third dorsal spine, and a crescent-shaped tail fin.
Squarespot Anthias Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Serranidae |
| Genus: | Pseudanthias |
| Scientific Name: | Pseudanthias pleurotaenia |
| Also Known As: | Squarespot Anthias, Pink Square Anthias, Mirror Basslet, Squarespot Fairy Basslet |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |