Purple Queen (Mirolabrichthys pascalus)

Also known as Amethyst Anthias, Anthias, Basslet, Purple Anthias, Purple Basslet, Purple Queen Anthias, Sailfin Queen, Sea Perch

Description

Also known as Amethyst Anthias, Anthias, Basslet, Purple Anthias, Purple Basslet, Purple Queen Anthias, Sailfin Queen, Sea Perch.

Found in large schools, in caves, and around coral outcrops and outer reef slopes, of oceanic islands.
They feed on planktonic crustaceans and fish eggs.
Length - 17cm
Depth - 5-60m
Widespread Pacific Ocean

Anthias are often found in large schools, often in their 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) Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/6934

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