The Yellowstriped Fairy Basslet, Purple Queen, Purple Anthias – Pseudanthias tuka is a captivating species of fish renowned for its vibrant coloration and graceful movements. This captivating fish, known scientifically as Pseudanthias tuka, belongs to the Serranidae family, which encompasses a diverse range of fish commonly referred to as sea basses, groupers, and anthias. Its striking appearance and intriguing behaviors have made it a popular choice for marine aquariums.
Description & Characteristics
The Yellowstriped Fairy Basslet, Purple Queen, Purple Anthias – Pseudanthias tuka is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 12.0 cm. Its body is characterized by a distinctive purple hue that gives it its common names. A series of bright yellow stripes adorn its sides, adding a striking contrast to its overall color scheme. These stripes are most prominent on the body, while its fins, including its dorsal, caudal, and anal fins, exhibit a delicate, translucent purple coloration. These captivating features make the Pseudanthias tuka a striking and memorable sight within its aquatic environment.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Yellowstriped Fairy Basslet, Purple Queen, Purple Anthias – Pseudanthias tuka thrives in a range of marine environments, typically inhabiting the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans, spanning from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. This species is often found in neritic zones, where it can be observed swimming in schools amidst coral reefs. These vibrant fish contribute to the beauty and biodiversity of these vital marine ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Pseudanthias tuka belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. It is categorized within the Teleostei class, which encompasses most of the bony fishes, indicating its skeletal structure. Further, it is classified under the Perciformes order, which includes a vast array of fish characterized by their spiny dorsal fins. Finally, its placement in the Serranidae family designates its kinship with sea basses, groupers, and anthias, showcasing its shared characteristics with these diverse fish.
Feeding
The Yellowstriped Fairy Basslet, Purple Queen, Purple Anthias – Pseudanthias tuka is a carnivorous fish, with a diet that primarily comprises zooplankton and small invertebrates. Its feeding habits are characterized by a preference for various crustaceans, including copepods, brine shrimps, mysid shrimps, and crustacean larvae. The Pseudanthias tuka is also known to consume fish eggs, lobster eggs, and other nektonic organisms, demonstrating its versatility in its feeding strategy. In aquariums, this species is often fed a variety of frozen foods like brine shrimp nauplii and mysis shrimp, ensuring its nutritional needs are met in a captive setting.
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