Purple Queen Anthias (Mirolabrichthys tuka) Care Guide

Mirolabrichthys tuka, the purple queen anthias, forms large aggregations along reef drop-offs and is a demanding plankton feeder.

Overview

Mirolabrichthys tuka (Herre & Montalban, 1927), the purple queen anthias, is a small reef fish. FishBase records a maximum total length of 12 cm and a preferred temperature range of 22-28 °C. The Australian Museum notes it is usually seen in large aggregations along reef edges.

Taxonomy

Family: Serranidae (Anthiadidae in FishBase)
Genus: Mirolabrichthys
Scientific name: Mirolabrichthys tuka Herre & Montalban, 1927
Combination: Pseudanthias tuka (Australian Museum)

Habitat

According to FishBase the species occurs in the Indo-West Pacific, from Mauritius to the Philippines and from Bali (Indonesia) to the Solomon Islands, south to the Rowley Shoals and the Great Barrier Reef, with populations in Palau. The Australian Museum reports it in large aggregations along the upper edge of drop-offs and steep outer reef slopes at depths of 7 to 25 m; FishBase gives a wider range of 2 to 40 m.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 400 L (about 106 gal) (KB record)
Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
pH: 8.1-8.4
Carbonate hardness range (record): 8-12 °dGH
School size: at least 5 individuals (KB record)
Lifespan: 4-10 years (KB record)

Diet

FishBase reports that the species feeds on planktonic crustaceans and fish eggs. It is a demanding planktivore that requires frequent feeding; providing an adequate diet is the main challenge in keeping this species.

Compatibility

This is a peaceful, mid-water schooling species. Suitable companions include tangs, wrasses, clownfish and Genicanthus angelfish, while aggressive damselfish and triggerfish should be avoided.

Breeding

The Australian Museum describes marked sexual dimorphism: both sexes are deep pink to purple, but females carry a bright yellow stripe along the back extending to the tail fin, while males have a purple blotch at the soft dorsal fin base and elongated soft dorsal rays.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 13 March 2015. FishBase lists the species for both commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade.