Common name: high finned anthias
General information
The Royal Dottyback, scientifically known as Pseudanthias regalis, is a strikingly beautiful fish that adds a splash of color to any saltwater aquarium. This species is part of the Anthiinae subfamily, which is known for its vibrant hues and dynamic behavior. The Royal Dottyback has a slender body with a gradient of purple to yellow coloration that can vary between individuals.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 23 to 27 °C (73 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 12 cm (5″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs a well-established tank
- Diet
- Planktonivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp
- Social
- Harem Best kept in groups, 1 male to several females
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusAnthiasPseudanthias
- Specieshigh finned anthiasPseudanthias regalis (Randall & Lubbock, 1981)
- SynonymsAnthias regalis Randall & Lubbock, 1981
Care
Royal Dottybacks are moderately easy to care for but can be territorial, especially towards conspecifics or similar-looking fish. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, supplemented with high-quality marine pellets, will help maintain their vivid coloration and health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Pseudanthias regalis forms harems consisting of a single dominant male and several females. If the male is lost, the largest female will often change sex to become the new male, a phenomenon known as protogyny. Breeding in captivity is challenging and not commonly achieved by hobbyists.
Habitat
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Royal Dottybacks are typically found in coral-rich areas and steep reef slopes. They prefer depths ranging from 10 to 60 meters, where they can be seen darting in and out of the reef structure.