{"product_id":"square-block-anthias-female-pseudanthias-pleurotaenia","title":"Square Block Anthias Female | Pseudanthias pleurotaenia","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe female Square Block Anthias is a hardy, golden open-water swimmer that adds movement to a larger reef. Males develop the famous purple flank block over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, Square Block Anthias Female is associated with Indo-Pacific outer reef slopes. These fish usually hold position above reef slopes, bommies, ledges and current lines where passing plankton is carried through the water column. They are not bottom-dwelling fish; instead, they spend much of the day in mid-water, darting into rockwork when startled and returning to the open once they feel secure. Replicating this environment in the aquarium means providing open swimming space, branching rockwork, caves, overhangs and moderate to strong water movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis anthias is recognised for its larger anthias with strong magenta, orange and square block colour patterning. Colour can intensify with good nutrition, stable water parameters and appropriate social structure. Like many anthias, males and females may show different intensity, fin shape or body markings, and dominant individuals often become the most brightly coloured fish in the group. Under reef lighting, the pink, orange, red, yellow or purple tones can be especially impressive, making this fish a standout choice for aquariums that need movement and colour in the upper water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSquare Block Anthias Female is generally semi-aggressive, especially males. It is best housed with peaceful to moderately assertive reef fish such as clownfish, wrasses, gobies, blennies, dartfish, dwarf angelfish with caution, tangs in larger systems and other compatible anthias. Avoid housing it with very aggressive triggers, large predatory wrasses, lionfish, groupers or established bullies that may prevent it from feeding. Anthias do best when added to a calm aquarium where they can settle, feed confidently and avoid constant harassment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnthias have fast metabolisms and should not be treated like fish that can thrive on one large feed each day. Offer frequent small meals using mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, quality marine pellets and frozen plankton blends. Automatic feeding with small pellets can help maintain condition during the day. Newly introduced specimens may prefer frozen foods first, then gradually accept pellets. A varied diet is the key to strong colour, good body weight and long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinimum aquarium size is 450 L, with 650 L+ recommended for long-term success or groups. Maintain temperature at 24–26°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity at 1.023–1.026 specific gravity. Provide moderate to strong, varied flow so food remains suspended without blasting the fish constantly. Lighting can be typical reef lighting, but shaded retreats are important, especially for shy or deep-water species. Use strong biological filtration, a quality protein skimmer and regular water changes of 10–20% to keep nitrate and phosphate controlled. Rockwork should include caves and overhangs while still leaving open swimming space. Keep singly, as a pair, or in a properly planned group depending on species and aquarium size. Introduce timid anthias before aggressive tank mates where possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnthias are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning females can change into males when social conditions allow. In aquariums, courtship behaviour may include displaying, chasing and evening activity in the water column, but raising larvae is very difficult and usually beyond standard home breeding. Stable groups, high feeding frequency and excellent water quality are required before any spawning behaviour is likely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePseudanthias pleurotaenia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSquare Block Anthias Female\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndo-Pacific outer reef slopes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4–7 years with excellent care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-aggressive, especially males\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e450 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e650 L+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMeaty marine foods and quality pellets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–26°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.023–1.026 specific gravity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEstablished reef and peaceful marine community aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include peaceful clownfish, gobies, blennies, dartfish, chromis, flasher wrasses, fairy wrasses, peaceful tangs in larger aquariums and other carefully selected anthias introduced with planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid large predatory fish, aggressive triggers, large hawkfish, groupers, lionfish, overly territorial dottybacks and any established fish that will outcompete or intimidate anthias at feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55351889101091,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55216321921315,"sku":"AA2003","price":75.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55351889133859,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-20cm)","offer_id":55351889166627,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Squareblock_Anthias_Female_Pseudanthias_pleurotaenia_4c2d32e1-3bea-49e1-ad28-4382ef6c72ff.jpg?v=1781681142","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/square-block-anthias-female-pseudanthias-pleurotaenia","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}