Purple Queen Anthias

(mirolabrichthys tuka)
Saltwater

This anthias is a very difficult fish to handle. It is delicate, needing exceptionally clean, well oxygenated water with movement. Feeding must to occur several times a day. It may refuse to eat. The resultant malnutrition or stress can cause an invasion of bacteria and/or parasites. Native to the western and central areas of the Pacific Ocean, other names for this fish are Amethyst and Sailfin. This is a beautiful fish, with a bright purple body, blue caudal and pectoral fins and an orange band from the tip of the nose to the pectoral fin.

Size: 1 1/2" - 2 1/2"
No. in Tank: if alone: 40 gallon. Min. 180 gallon in trios of 1 male and 2 females; or more than one trio.
Temperament: Peaceful.
Food: (Carnivore) Zoo-plankton, mysid shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp and meat treats. Needs feed a MINIMUM of 4 times a day. Needs a varied diet on an almost continual basis or may refuse to eat.
Light: None.
Adaptation: Will acclimate slowly. It helps to introduce these fish in trios of 1 male and 2 females, rather than singularly. This will also bring out its natural wild behavior. Must have clean, oxygenated, water with movement and plenty of room to swim, plus several caves in which to hide.
Compatibility: A schooling fish which likes reefs. Peaceful tank-mates are best, as stress can lower this fish's resistance to bacteria and parasites, just as malnutrition can.

**FOR THE EXPERT AQUARIST**