Pseudanthias tuka (Purple Queen Anthias)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes
• Minimum tank size: 300L+ (preferably larger for groups)
• Adult size: ~12 cm (4.7 inches)
• Diet: Planktivorous (requires frequent feedings of live copepods, amphipods, enriched frozen mysis shrimp, and similar foods)
• Be aware of: Delicate species—requires constant feeding and pristine water conditions. Best kept in groups with a single male and multiple females. Sensitive to transportation and acclimatization; should be introduced carefully into a well-established aquarium.
Purple Queen Anthias (Pseudanthias tuka) – A Vibrant but Challenging Reef Inhabitant
The Purple Queen Anthias, also known as the Yellowstriped Fairy Basslet, is renowned for its striking purple coloration and graceful presence in reef aquariums. However, this species is considered one of the more challenging anthias to maintain, requiring specialized care to thrive in captivity.
Appearance and Coloration
The Purple Queen Anthias is distinguished by:
• Brilliant purple body, with varying highlights of blue, red, and yellow.
• Yellow stripe along the back and upper and lower caudal-fin lobes in females.
• Males exhibit a more pointed snout, a dark blotch on the rear of the dorsal fin, extended caudal-fin lobes, and tall second dorsal and anal fin rays.
This vivid coloration makes them a sought-after species for advanced aquarists.
Natural Habitat and Behavior
In the wild, Pseudanthias tuka are found in:
• East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, and Indonesia.
• Deep reef slopes and drop-offs, often at depths between 10 to 40 meters (30 to 130 feet).
• Large aggregations, where they form harems consisting of one dominant male and multiple females.
Their natural behaviors include:
• Planktivorous feeding, actively swimming in the water column to capture zooplankton.
• Social hierarchy, with a clear dominance structure within groups.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
To replicate their natural environment:
• Minimum tank size: 300L+ (79 gallons); larger tanks are recommended for groups.
• Temperature: 22–25.5°C (72–78°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025
• Water movement: Moderate to strong, to simulate reef currents.
• Lighting: Dimmed lighting initially, as they are accustomed to faint light in their natural habitat.
Maintaining high water quality is crucial, as this species is sensitive to fluctuations.
Diet and Feeding
Purple Queen Anthias have a high metabolism and require:
• Constant feeding, ideally multiple times daily.
• A varied diet including:
• Live copepods and amphipods – Essential for initial acclimatization.
• Enriched frozen mysis shrimp – Provides necessary nutrients.
• High-quality flake foods – Supplemented with vitamins and color-enhancers.
An attached refugium cultivating copepods and amphipods can provide a steady supply of live food, enhancing their diet.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
When selecting tank mates:
• Compatible with:
• Peaceful reef inhabitants, such as gobies, blennies, and wrasses.
• Other anthias species, provided the tank is large enough to prevent territorial disputes.
• Avoid housing with:
• Aggressive or predatory fish, which may intimidate or outcompete them.
• Overly dominant species, which can disrupt their social structure.
Social Structure:
• Best kept in harems, with one male and multiple females.
• Females can transition to males if the dominant male is lost, due to their hermaphroditic nature.
Health and Disease Considerations
To maintain health:
• Ensure a varied and nutritious diet to prevent malnutrition.
• Maintain stable water parameters to reduce stress and susceptibility to disease.
• Quarantine new additions to prevent the introduction of pathogens.
Regular monitoring and prompt attention to signs of illness are essential.
Lifespan and Long-Term Care
With proper care, Purple Queen Anthias can live up to 5 years in captivity. Their vibrant colors, active nature, and social behaviors make them a rewarding addition to well-maintained reef aquariums.
Why Choose a Purple Queen Anthias?
• Striking coloration, adding visual appeal to the aquarium.
• Active and engaging, providing constant movement.
• Reef-safe, posing no threat to corals or invertebrates.
• Social dynamics, offering interesting behavioral observations.
Important Considerations Before Purchase:
• Requires constant feeding, which may not suit all schedules.
• Needs a spacious tank, especially when kept in groups.
• Sensitive to water quality, necessitating diligent maintenance.
By meeting their specific care requirements, Purple Queen Anthias can become a vibrant and dynamic centerpiece in a marine aquarium.