How difficult is it to keep Purple Queen Anthias?

Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.

What is the ideal temperature for Purple Queen Anthias?

The ideal temperature for Purple Queen Anthias is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Purple Queen Anthias?

The average lifespan of Purple Queen Anthias is 3-5 years in captivity. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Purple Queen Anthias get?

Purple Queen Anthias typically reaches Up to 20 cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What is the typical price for Purple Queen Anthias?

The price of Purple Queen Anthias varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Purple Queen Anthias

Q: What should I feed Purple Queen Anthias?

Purple Queen Anthias feeds on: Frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, frozen foods for planktivores. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

Advanced

Pseudanthias pascalus

An anthias that is vivid purple all over, forming large shoals on Pacific reefs including southern Japan. Hard to wean onto food and demanding to keep; several feedings a day and group keeping are the baseline.

Difficulty

Advanced

Temperature

24〜27℃

Lifespan

3-5 years in captivity

Size

Up to 20 cm

Diet

Frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, frozen foods for planktivores

About

The amethyst or purple anthias (Pseudanthias pascalus) belongs to the subfamily Anthiadinae and ranges across the Pacific from Bali and the Ryukyu Islands to the Tuamotus, north to southern Japan and south to Australia and New Caledonia. It is more common at oceanic islands than on continental reefs, forming large groups around coral outcrops and caves on outer reef slopes and feeding on copepods, other planktonic crustaceans and fish eggs. The body is vivid purple; males carry a red stripe along the flank. Maximum length is about 20 cm. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite: if the male disappears, the largest female changes sex. Among anthias it is one of the harder species, and many specimens refuse food and waste away. Offer frozen planktivore foods, mysis and enriched brine shrimp in small portions 3-4 times a day; a refugium supplying copepods helps greatly. Keep one male with several females in a large tank that offers both open swimming space and shelter.

Lifespan of the Purple Queen Anthias

The Purple Queen Anthias lives 3-5 years in captivity.

Size of the Purple Queen Anthias

The Purple Queen Anthias grows to Up to 20 cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Purple Queen Anthias

The ideal temperature for the Purple Queen Anthias is 24〜27℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Pacific Ocean (Bali and the Ryukyu Islands to the Tuamotus, north to southern Japan, south to Australia and New Caledonia)

Lifespan

3-5 years in captivity

Care Specifications

pH: 8.1–8.4
Water Temp.: 24–27℃
Specific Gravity: 1.02–1.025
Min. Tank: 340 L

PeacefulReef safeGroup

Sources: Saltwaterfish.com / FishBase

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Pseudanthias pascalus (Jordan & Tanaka, 1927)

Synonyms: Mirolabrichthys pascalus

Authority databases: WoRMS · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.