Purple Queen

Scientific Name: Pseudanthias pascalus
Species: Anthias (Serranidae)
Other names: Basslets, Sea Bass, Purple Queen Anthias, Purple Anthias, Amethyst Anthias, Sailfin Queen, Purple Basslet.

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Description

Also known as Basslets, Sea Bass, Purple Queen Anthias, Purple Anthias, Amethyst Anthias, Sailfin Queen and Purple Basslet.

Found in schools feeding on zooplankton high above outer reef slopes.
Aggregations contain far more females to males.
Males purple with small dark blue spots and females purple/red with orange stripe from eye to gills.
They feed on zooplankton.
Length - 17cm
Depth - 5-60m
Widespread Pacific

Anthias are often found in large schools often in there hundreds or thousands feeding high above the reef on zooplankton.
They start their life off as females and when there is an opening for a male will change to head up their harem of females.
Males are much more colourful and often have filamentous streamers which they use for their mating dance and to deter other males. (edit)

Spotted

The Purple Queen is found in or near the Pacific region(s) and has been photographed 2 times by user @fishx6

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