The Japanese Lyre-tail Basslet, scientifically known as Pseudanthias nobilis, is a captivating species of fish belonging to the Anthiinae subfamily of the Serranidae family. It is renowned for its striking coloration and graceful movements, making it a popular addition to saltwater aquariums.
Description & Characteristics
The Pseudanthias nobilis is characterized by its slender, elongated body, reaching a maximum size of around 10 centimeters (4 inches). The fish boasts a vibrant color palette, typically exhibiting a reddish-orange base with numerous white spots scattered across its body. Its fins are adorned with a deep purple hue, further enhancing its visual appeal. The most distinctive feature of the Pseudanthias nobilis is its lyre-shaped tail, which gives it its common name. The tail fin is elongated, with a central lobe that is significantly larger than the others, resembling a musical lyre instrument.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Japanese Lyre-tail Basslet is primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting the tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean. They are often seen in shallow reefs, with a depth range of 2 to 30 meters (7 to 98 feet). The Pseudanthias nobilis prefers to inhabit clear, well-lit areas, often forming schools of up to 50 individuals. This species is primarily a reef fish and has been found in both shallow and deep reef habitats, making it a common inhabitant of these important marine ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Pseudanthias nobilis belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. This classification places it within a diverse group of bony fishes known for their spiny fins and predatory nature.
Feeding
The Pseudanthias nobilis is a carnivorous fish, primarily feeding on a diet of zooplankton and small crustaceans. Their diet often includes a range of prey items such as copepods, amphipods, brine shrimp nauplii, mysis, and krill. In captivity, they can be successfully fed a variety of frozen and live food options, including frozen krill, brine shrimp, and mysis. Their ability to consume various food types makes them relatively easy to maintain in an aquarium setting.
Image References