Purple Queen Anthias

Purple Queen Anthias are demanding planktivores whose feeding needs should drive the purchase decision. Prepare an established aquarium with open midwater swimming space, strong water quality management and sheltered rock crevices. A secure cover is important because anthias can jump.

Plan for frequent small portions of appropriately sized marine animal foods throughout the day. Verify the individual’s feeding response before purchase and continue checking that food is being swallowed after introduction. The ability to offer food repeatedly and remove the resulting waste matters more than a once-daily generous meal.

The purple-queen name is shared by more than one anthias. Confirm the species before selecting a group or planning its adult accommodation; neither purple colour nor a similar appearance establishes social compatibility. Avoid tankmates that monopolize feeding, and investigate thinning bodies, repeated food rejection or fish that remain excluded from the feeding area.