The squarespot anthias takes its name from a square or sometimes rectangular spot on the side of the male fish. This spot may vary in size from being very small to almost taking up more than half of the fish’s side. The colors of this fish are very vibrant, but they vary tremendously depending on where it came from, and from fish to fish. Newly introduce specimens need to have plenty of places to hide, and the other fish in the tank should be very docile. Most importantly, is that its tankmakes not be other anthias, and that the squarespot anthias does not have to compete with other fish for plankton in the water column.

If you have a large tank (150 gallons or more) and you really insist on it, you can try to keep a harem of squarespots, meaning a single male with six or more females. All of the squarespots should be introduced into the tank at the same time, and they will do best if they are the only fish in the tank. It is suitable for a reef tank, as long as it is provided with plenty of places where it can get out of the bright lighting that is typical of a reef tank. Feed it on enriched brine shrimp or mysis shrimp, or any of the frozen prepared foods designed for plankton feeders.