Having fish feed aggressively can be a sign of great health and vigor. However, when this food is literally snatched from the lips of another fish it can cause significant physical damage. This is the case here. Despite keeping some distance and dinning on the scraps and missed pieces from larger fish, this Lyretail Anthias [...]
Having fish feed aggressively can be a sign of great health and vigor. However, when this food is literally snatched from the lips of another fish it can cause significant physical damage. This is the case here. Despite keeping some distance and dinning on the scraps and missed pieces from larger fish, this Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) had competition for a particular mysis shrimp that it was after. Instead of getting the shrimp, the other fish took away the lower portion of this fish’s mouth and jaw. Now all that remains is jagged tissue leaving a large gaping opening.
The third photo down shows the Lyretail Anthias swimming with one other female as if nothing happened. Interestingly the fish showed no signs of distress; it continued to shoal with the other fishes around the tank and dart to the front of the aquarium when people walked by–in an attempt to beg for more food! Thankfully this is not the same anthias that completed the tour de évier and passed down the plumbing of a kitchen sink!
We wish this anthias a speedy recovery. Given the extent of the damage we do not expect a full recovery. The best we can hope for is that this fish will still be able to eat on its own.
