Common name: Purple Queen Anthias

General information

The Purple Queen Anthias, Pseudanthias tuka, is a vibrant and active fish that adds a splash of color to any reef aquarium. This species is part of the Anthiinae subfamily, known for their bright colors and dynamic social behavior. Males are particularly striking with their deep purple hue and elongated third ray of the dorsal fin, while females and juveniles tend to be more orange or pink.

Care

Purple Queen Anthias require a well-established aquarium with plenty of swimming space and hiding spots among live rock. They are a planktivorous species, feeding on zooplankton in the water column, so a varied diet of meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is essential for their health. They do best in groups, with one male to several females, as they exhibit a hierarchical social structure.

Reproduction

In the wild, Purple Queen Anthias form harems consisting of one dominant male and multiple females. If the dominant male perishes, the largest female will undergo a sex change and take on the male role. In the aquarium, breeding can occur, with the male performing an elaborate dance to entice females to spawn. Eggs are pelagic, and raising the larvae can be challenging due to their small size and specific feeding requirements.

Habitat

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Purple Queen Anthias are typically found in outer reef slopes and drop-offs, where they can be seen swimming in large aggregations. They prefer depths ranging from 10 to 70 meters, often in areas with strong currents that bring a steady supply of plankton for them to feed on.