Female Purple Queen Anthias (Pseudanthias tuka)
The Female Purple Queen Anthias is one of the most elegant and breathtaking reef fish in the marine aquarium hobby. Featuring vibrant shades of lavender, pink, peach, and violet, this graceful fish adds constant movement and brilliant color to reef aquariums. Its streamlined body, flowing fins, and peaceful schooling behavior make it a stunning addition to larger marine displays.
Native to the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, Purple Queen Anthias inhabit reef slopes where they spend their days swimming in groups above the coral while feeding on zooplankton carried by ocean currents. In the aquarium, females thrive in peaceful groups with plenty of open swimming space and live rock for shelter. Their graceful swimming and vibrant coloration create a mesmerizing display, especially under quality reef lighting.
One of the most fascinating traits of Purple Queen Anthias is their social structure. When kept in a group, the dominant female can naturally transform into a male if no male is present, developing more vivid coloration and elongated finnage. This remarkable behavior makes them one of the most interesting reef fish to observe.
Purple Queen Anthias require a mature aquarium with excellent water quality and frequent feedings of small, nutrient-rich foods. They thrive on frozen mysis shrimp, copepods, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and premium marine pellets. Because of their high metabolism, multiple small feedings throughout the day are recommended to maintain optimal health.
Scientific Name: Pseudanthias tuka
Common Name: Female Purple Queen Anthias
Care Level: Moderate to Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore (Planktivore)
Reef Safe: Yes
Adult Size: Up to 5 Inches
Minimum Tank Size: 70 Gallons
Origin: Indo-Pacific
If you're looking for a reef-safe fish with graceful movement, vivid coloration, and fascinating social behavior, the Female Purple Queen Anthias is an exceptional choice. Its stunning lavender and pink hues, peaceful temperament, and elegant schooling nature make it a true centerpiece for mature reef aquariums.
