Purple Queen Anthias (Pseudanthias Tuka)

Also Known As: Purple Anthias, Purple Queen Fairy Anthias

Compatibility and Behavior The Purple Queen Anthias is one of our favorite schooling fish and Anthias. The body shows a vivid magenta to violet base with bright orangee accents on the fins, and the slender, delicate profile shimmers under reef lighting in a way photos rarely do justice to. Males typically show slightly deeper coloration along with more elongated dorsal and caudal fins, while females run a touch smaller with a softer lavender hue, and together they create a beautiful schooling effect in the midwater column. This species is generally peaceful and does well in groupsthat may school and add constant motion and color to the open water. It's considered reef safe and typically ignores corals, clams, and other invertebrates, which makes it a solid candidate for SPS and LPS systems. That said, Purple Queens are on the shy and sensitive end of the anthias spectrum. They can be intimidated by aggressive tankmates and may act defensively if harassed or outcompeted at feeding time, so the best results come in calm communities with other peaceful fish and plenty of open water for schooling.

Aquarium Requirements Plan on a mature, very stable reef aquarium, ideally 75 gallons or larger for a small group, with lots of open swimming space paired with intricate rockwork for cover. Tall rock structures, caves, and shaded overhangs help them feel secure enough to venture out into the water column when comfortable while still having a quick retreat when startled. They do significantly better with gentle to moderate, turbulent flow and strong biological filtration, since they appreciate high water quality and oxygenation. Their fast metabolism means frequent, small feedings of finely chopped meaty foods and quality micro-pellets are a must, and that feeding load is much easier to manage with a strong protein skimmer and a refugium running in the background. Dimmer or gradually ramped lighting transitions and an overall peaceful environment go a long way toward reducing stress and bringing out their best color and natural schooling behavior. One thing worth knowing: in many cases, Anthias only eat food out of the water column, and once it has fallen to the tank floor they are no longer interested. That makes flow patterns and feeding technique just as important as the food itself.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Sm: 1.5-2", Md: 2-2.5", Lg: 3-4"
Diet: Planktivore (frequent small feedings of frozen zooplankton, mysis, enriched brine, and micro-pellets)
Origin: Indo-Pacific (
Care Level: Moderate to Difficult (best for experienced aquarists due to feeding and stability demands)
Reef Safe: Yes (compatible with corals and most invertebrates)
Temperament: Peaceful, schooling; can be shy and easily stressed
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons 
Special Considerations: Requires frequent small feedings and strong nutrient export; sensitive to aggressive tankmates and abrupt lighting changes