{"product_id":"purple-queen-anthias-male","title":"Purple Queen Anthias - Male","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe male Purple Queen Anthias (\u003cem\u003eMirolabrichthys tuka\u003c\/em\u003e, formerly \u003cem\u003ePseudanthias tuka\u003c\/em\u003e) is a spectacular saltwater fish prized for its intense purple-to-magenta coloration and elegant fin development. Mature males are typically more uniformly purple than females, with a yellowish snout or jaw area, a prominent dark purple blotch toward the rear of the dorsal fin, elongated dorsal-fin rays, and extended lobes on the deeply forked tail. These dramatic features make the male especially striking when displayed in a mature reef aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Indo-West Pacific, this species occurs from Mauritius through Indonesia and the Philippines to Palau, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Purple Queen Anthias inhabit outer reef slopes and drop-offs, where aggregations swim above the reef structure and continuously capture zooplankton carried by the current.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its exceptional appearance, the Purple Queen Anthias is a demanding marine aquarium fish and is best suited to experienced aquarists. Feeding acclimation is often the greatest challenge, as newly imported specimens may refuse conventional prepared foods and require frequent offerings of small planktonic foods. A large, mature reef aquarium with abundant microfauna, strong water movement, and a consistent feeding routine provides the best environment for long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert Only\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 125 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore \/ Planktivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indo-West Pacific – Mauritius through Indonesia and the Philippines to Palau, Solomon Islands, and Great Barrier Reef\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eMirolabrichthys tuka\u003c\/em\u003e (formerly \u003cem\u003ePseudanthias tuka\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a large, mature marine aquarium with extensive open swimming space above and around the rockwork. Purple Queen Anthias are active water-column fish that naturally remain above steep reef slopes, making a long aquarium with generous horizontal swimming room particularly suitable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInclude caves, ledges, overhangs, and shaded retreats where the male can shelter at night or temporarily escape social interactions. When maintained with additional anthias, multiple separate retreat areas are especially important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong, well-distributed water movement helps recreate the current-rich conditions of its natural habitat and keeps small foods suspended where the fish can feed naturally. Strong oxygenation and efficient filtration are essential because the frequent feeding required by this species can substantially increase nutrient input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA securely fitted mesh screen or aquarium lid is recommended, as anthias may jump when startled or chased.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Purple Queen Anthias is a specialized carnivorous planktivore that naturally feeds on planktonic crustaceans, fish eggs, and other tiny foods suspended in the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied diet including copepods, enriched brine shrimp, finely sized mysis shrimp, calanus, frozen plankton blends, fish eggs, and finely chopped marine foods. Once acclimated, some individuals may also accept appropriately sized high-quality pellets or flakes, but prepared dry foods should not be relied upon during initial conditioning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide at least three to four small meals throughout the day, with additional small feedings beneficial whenever practical. Automatic feeding can be useful after the fish reliably accepts suitable prepared foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonitor feeding response and body condition closely. Purple Queen Anthias can lose weight rapidly when they are not consuming enough food, making prompt attention to reduced appetite especially important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale Purple Queen Anthias are generally peaceful toward unrelated marine fish but can become territorial toward other anthias, especially competing males. Within a group, the dominant male typically maintains his position through displaying and occasional chasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include fairy and flasher wrasses, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, tangs, peaceful angelfish, and other reef-safe species that will not continually intimidate or outcompete the anthias at feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid highly aggressive or excessively boisterous tankmates. Maintaining more than one mature male is generally not recommended unless the aquarium is exceptionally large and provides substantial separation between territories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single male may be maintained alone or, in an appropriately spacious aquarium, with several compatible females to create a more natural social arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe male Purple Queen Anthias is considered reef safe and is an excellent choice for coral-dominated aquariums when its demanding husbandry requirements can be met.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt does not normally consume or damage stony corals, soft corals, clams, or other sessile reef organisms. It is also generally compatible with ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and other established reef invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCopepods and other tiny planktonic crustaceans will naturally be consumed as part of its normal feeding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain exceptionally stable, well-oxygenated water with consistently high water quality. Efficient filtration and nutrient management are especially important because this species requires multiple daily feedings. Stability is more important than attempting to maintain one exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChallenging feeder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Newly introduced males may refuse prepared foods and require small frozen or planktonic offerings during acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequent feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Multiple small meals throughout the day are essential for maintaining proper body condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMale coloration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mature males develop predominantly purple coloration, a yellowish snout, a dark dorsal blotch, and elongated dorsal and tail-fin rays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMale territoriality:\u003c\/strong\u003e May chase other anthias, particularly rival males competing for dominance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature aquarium preferred:\u003c\/strong\u003e Established live rock, abundant microfauna, strong water movement, and excellent water quality greatly improve long-term suitability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"M","offer_id":52470448849194,"sku":"ANTHIASxMPurpleM","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52470448881962,"sku":"ANTHIASxMPurpleML","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"LG","offer_id":52470448914730,"sku":"ANTHIASxMPurpleL","price":116.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52470448947498,"sku":"ANTHIASxMPurpleX","price":128.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/PurpleQueenMale_57273bae-1061-41e9-b19d-6729143159d2.png?v=1788535643","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/purple-queen-anthias-male","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}