The Purple Queen Anthias (Pseudanthias tuka) is a stunning and vibrant marine fish known for its striking purple and pink coloration. Highly sought after by aquarists, it adds a splash of color and dynamic movement to reef aquariums. This active species is a popular choice for both beginner and experienced hobbyists who wish to add a touch of elegance and beauty to their marine tanks.

Description:

Common Name: Purple Queen Anthias

Scientific Name: Pseudanthias tuka

Family: Serranidae

Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)

Coloration: The Purple Queen Anthias is recognized for its brilliant purple body with shades of pink, highlighted by spashes of yellow, especially on its dorsal fin and tail. Males typically have a more intense coloration with bright purple hues, while females are slightly less vibrant but still beautiful.

Lifespan: Typically 4-5 years in captivity with proper care.

Native Region:

The Purple Queen Anthias is found in the Indo-Pacific region, including areas like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia. They are typically found in coral-rich environments, usually in deeper waters and near reef drop-offs.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: A minimum of 70 gallons (265 liters) is recommended for a small group, as the Purple Queen Anthias is an active swimmer and benefits from ample swimming space.

Substrate: Fine sand or rubble substrate is ideal, as it mimics their natural habitat. They do not typically interact with the substrate but require places to hide and explore.

Live Rock: Live rock is essential for providing hiding places and grazing surfaces, as the fish will often hover around the rockwork to forage for food.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 72-78F (22-26C)

pH: 8.1-8.4

Salinity: 1.022-1.025 specific gravity

Hardness: 8-12 dKH

Care Level:

Difficulty: Moderate. The Purple Queen Anthias requires a well-maintained tank with stable water parameters. They are generally hardy but may require more attention to water quality and diet.

Diet: They are carnivores and will eat a variety of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. They may also accept high-quality pellets or flakes but require a varied diet to thrive. Regular feedings (at least 3-4 times per day) are important to maintain their health and vibrant coloration.

Behavior: The Purple Queen Anthias is a peaceful and social fish, often seen swimming in groups in the wild. It is a schooling species and does best in groups of at least 3-5 individuals. Males are territorial but usually get along with other fish when kept in larger aquariums.

Reef Compatibility:

Reef-Safe: Yes, the Purple Queen Anthias is reef-safe and will not pose a threat to corals or invertebrates. However, it may occasionally nip at small invertebrates or sessile organisms.

Tank Mates:

Suitable Companions: The Purple Queen Anthias is compatible with most other reef-safe fish, such as tangs, clownfish, gobies, and other anthias species. It can also be kept with peaceful wrasses, dwarf angelfish, and other peaceful community species.

Avoid: It may be territorial with other anthias or similarly sized species, so its best to avoid keeping multiple males unless the tank is large enough to allow them to establish territories. Aggressive or predatory species should also be avoided.

Additional Tips:

Schooling: This species is highly social and should ideally be kept in groups of 3 or more individuals to mimic their natural behavior. Having a group also helps reduce stress and allows males and females to establish social hierarchies.

Feeding: Purple Queen Anthias are frequent feeders, so providing multiple small feedings throughout the day will help keep them healthy and vibrant. A diet rich in protein is essential for maintaining their beautiful coloration.

Tank Setup: This species enjoys swimming around rockwork, so make sure there are plenty of caves and hiding spots. They also appreciate areas with strong water movement that mimic the current they would experience in the wild.