The Sea Goldie – _Pseudanthias squamipinnis_ is a captivating reef fish renowned for its vibrant colors and graceful movements. This species, belonging to the family Serranidae, is a popular choice for marine aquariums due to its striking appearance and relatively peaceful nature.
Description & Characteristics
The Sea Goldie – _Pseudanthias squamipinnis_ is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 15.0 cm. Its body is characterized by a striking reddish-orange hue, with a distinctive white band that encircles its body just below the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin itself is long and flowing, adorned with a black edge and numerous white spots. The anal fin also exhibits a similar pattern, showcasing a black edge and white spots. The Sea Goldie’s eyes are large and expressive, contributing to its overall charm.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Sea Goldie – _Pseudanthias squamipinnis_ is a reef-dwelling fish, found in a variety of tropical marine habitats. Typically found in depths ranging from 0.0 to 55.0 meters, they are most commonly encountered in coral reefs and rocky outcrops. They favor locations with strong currents and ample sunlight, often congregating in large schools. The Sea Goldie’s preferred marine zones include the Indo-Pacific region, where it is particularly abundant.
Taxonomy
The Sea Goldie – _Pseudanthias squamipinnis_ belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. This classification places it within the group of bony fishes, specifically within the order that includes perches, basses, and their relatives. The Serranidae family encompasses a diverse range of fish species, many of which are prized for their vibrant colors and intriguing behaviors.
Feeding
The Sea Goldie – _Pseudanthias squamipinnis_ is a carnivorous fish, primarily feeding on small invertebrates such as plankton, zooplankton, mysids, and copepods. Their diet may also include small crustaceans, brine shrimp nauplii, lobster eggs, and even flakes and frozen foods in an aquarium setting. The Sea Goldie’s feeding habits make them important members of the reef ecosystem, contributing to the balance of the food web.
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