{"product_id":"purple-queen-anthias-mirolabrichthys-tuk","title":"Purple Queen Anthias | Mirolabrichthys tuka","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eClouds of shimmering violet-purple with a bright yellow dorsal stripe, the Purple Queen Anthias is a breathtaking open-water schooler that demands frequent feeding and a peaceful, mature reef. A rewarding challenge best suited to the dedicated reefer who can commit to several small feeds a day.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, the Purple Queen Anthias is associated with Western Pacific reef slopes and plankton-rich drop-offs, where it gathers in large aggregations over current-swept ledges and bommies. Like other anthias, it spends most of the day hovering in open water picking plankton from the passing current, darting into rockwork for cover when startled. Replicating this environment means providing open swimming space, branching rockwork, caves and overhangs, and moderate to strong water movement in a large, well-established aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePurple Queen Anthias reaches approximately 12 cm and has the slender, streamlined body typical of reef planktivores, coloured in rich violet-purple with a distinctive yellow stripe along the back. As with most anthias, dominant males differ from females in intensity, fin shape and body markings, with the dominant fish in a group typically the most vividly coloured. Under quality reef lighting the purple tones are especially striking. Healthy specimens are alert, well-filled and feeding confidently, without pinched bellies or laboured breathing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is best described as a peaceful, planktivorous anthias. It does best in a peaceful to moderately assertive reef community — suitable companions include clownfish, gobies, blennies, dartfish, flasher and fairy wrasses, and peaceful tangs in larger systems. Avoid housing it with aggressive triggers, large predatory wrasses, lionfish, groupers or established bullies that may prevent it from feeding. Anthias settle best when added to a calm, mature aquarium where they can feed confidently without constant harassment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLike other anthias, this species has a fast metabolism and cannot thrive on a single daily feed. Offer frequent small meals of enriched mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, quality marine pellets and frozen plankton blends. At least three feeds per day are recommended. Newly introduced specimens often take frozen foods first and gradually accept pellets. A varied diet fed little and often is the key to strong colour, good body weight and long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMinimum aquarium size is 400 L, with a larger, more mature system recommended for long-term stability and natural schooling behaviour. Keep temperature at 24–26°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity at 1.023–1.026 specific gravity. Provide moderate to strong, well-oxygenated reef-style flow so food stays suspended in the water column, along with strong biological filtration, a quality protein skimmer and regular 10–20% water changes. Lighting can be standard reef lighting, with shaded retreats available. Aquascaping should include caves and overhangs while leaving open swimming room. Keep singly, as a pair, or in a properly planned group in a larger aquarium, introducing timid anthias before more aggressive tank mates where possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLike other anthias, Purple Queen Anthias are protogynous hermaphrodites — females can change into males when social conditions allow. In aquariums, courtship behaviour may include displaying and increased activity in the water column, but raising larvae is very difficult and generally beyond standard home breeding. Stable groups, frequent feeding and excellent water quality are prerequisites before any spawning behaviour is likely.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirolabrichthys tuka\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePurple Queen Anthias\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWestern Pacific reef slopes and plankton-rich drop-offs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4–7 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful planktivorous anthias\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate to advanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e400 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e400 L+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlanktivore; frequent small meaty feeds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–26°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.023–1.026 specific gravity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEstablished reef and peaceful marine community aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGenerally reef safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include peaceful clownfish, gobies, blennies, dartfish, chromis, flasher and fairy wrasses, and peaceful tangs in larger aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid large predatory fish, aggressive triggers, large hawkfish, groupers, lionfish, overly territorial dottybacks and any established fish that will outcompete or intimidate anthias at feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55351892738339,"sku":"AA3028-S","price":68.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55225851117859,"sku":"AA3028","price":78.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55351892771107,"sku":"AA3028-L","price":88.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562741973283,"sku":"AA3028-S-IMP","price":68.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562742006051,"sku":"AA3028-M-IMP","price":78.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562742038819,"sku":"AA3028-L-IMP","price":88.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/purple-queen-anthias-mirolab-43091409010979-lv.webp?v=1790307470","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/purple-queen-anthias-mirolabrichthys-tuk","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}