Purple Queen Anthias

Pseudanthias pascalus

Saltwater Fish Species Group: Anthias Family: Anthias

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Purple Queen Anthias

General information

The Purple Queen Anthias is a strikingly beautiful, small-sized fish with a vibrant purple coloration. They have a deep, compressed body with a pointed snout, and they typically grow up to 4 inches in length. This species is highly sought after by aquarists due to their striking appearance and peaceful nature. They are best kept in groups of six or more individuals, as they tend to be more active and display their natural behaviors when kept in larger groups.

Diet & nutrition

In the wild, Purple Queen Anthias feed on zooplankton, crustaceans, and small fish. In captivity, they can be fed a varied diet consisting of high-quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and small pieces of fresh seafood.

Determining sex

The males of the Purple Queen Anthias have more pointed dorsal and anal fins than the females, and their overall coloration may be more vibrant.

Breeding & spawning

Purple Queen Anthias are egg layers and have not been bred in captivity.

Diseases

Common diseases that affect the Purple Queen Anthias include bacterial and fungal infections, as well as parasitic infections such as ich.

Origination

The Purple Queen Anthias is native to the Western Pacific Ocean, specifically in the waters around the Philippines and Indonesia.

Cautions

The Purple Queen Anthias is generally considered to be a peaceful species and is not known to be aggressive towards other tankmates. However, they may become stressed if kept with more aggressive species, so it is important to choose tankmates carefully.

Acclimation process

When introducing the Purple Queen Anthias to a new tank, it is important to acclimate them slowly to prevent stress or shock. The fish should be placed in a container with water from their original environment, and small amounts of water from the new tank should be gradually added over a period of several hours until the container is filled with water from the new tank.

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