Saltwater Fish of the Day: Purple Queen Anthias

[revhtree]

Purple Queen Anthias, Amethyst Anthias, Sailfin Anthias / Pseudanthias Pascalus

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SCIENTIFIC NAME - Pseudanthias Pascalus

COMMON NAME - Purple Queen Anthias (Amethyst Anthias, Sailfin Anthias)

SIZE - 6.7" (17 cm)

MIN. AQUARIUM SIZE - 55 US Gal. (208 L)

FOODS AND FEEDING - Varied diet of marine frozen preparations for zoo plankton feeders, Mysid shrimp, vitamin enriched Brine shrimp. Feed at least 3 times a day

REEF COMPATIBILITY - Yes in deep water reef tank for best results. (25 - 29" deep min.)

CAPTIVE CARE - May refuse to eat, subject to parasitic infections, one male and 5+ females with plenty of swimming room in upper levels of tank for best setup, various shelter sites a must, do not mix with aggressive tank mates, a plankton refugium to supply constant live foods to the main tank a plus, may loose coloration in absence of vitamin enriched foods, adding to a tank with established Anthias may help acclimation and feeding response

 

[3Twinklets]

Beautiful!!

 

[WhiteTailFish]

It seems there are two types of fish sold as the "purple queen anthias". The one pictured here which i have in my tank and the other being the "tuka" anthias. I wonder why that is.

 

[pcon]

Two similar appearing Species share the common “purple queen anthias” Pseudanthias pascalus mentioned above and P. tuka. An excellent example of why we should emphasize the use of scientific names in the hobby. Pascalus is found in the indo pacific, and tuka is found there, the Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea.

 

[SDguy]

I've never seen purple queens (tuka) called anything else. Pascalus I've only ever seen called amethyst. Sailfin anthias are Rabaulichthys species. Lots of good info on the two species here: https://reefbuilders.com/2015/03/18/awesome-fish-spotlight-tuka-pascalus/