Amethyst Anthias
Mirolabrichthys pascalus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Planktivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 70 gallons |
| Max Size | 8 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Amethyst Anthias (Mirolabrichthys pascalus) is a deepwater-style anthias often listed in the trade as “Purple Queen/ Pascalus Anthias,” with males showing richer purple tones and extended fin highlights. It spends most of its time hovering in the water column near rock faces, picking passing zooplankton from the flow.
What You’ll Observe:
- Hovering and “tracking” the current, then making short darts to grab food particles
- More confident midwater swimming after a settling-in period, especially with consistent feeding times
- A clear social hierarchy if kept with other anthias (one fish typically becomes the dominant show fish)
- Quick, repeated feeding responses when small foods are offered in short bursts
Provide shaded ledges and open swimming room so it can choose between cover and the water column. Offer small, plankton-sized frozen foods multiple times daily (or a mix of frozen feedings plus an auto-feeder once it recognizes prepared foods). Kept with calm tankmates, it settles into a predictable routine and stays visible throughout the day.
Can a female change into a male over time?
Yes’when one fish becomes dominant, it can gradually take on the “male” role with more assertive display behavior and stronger coloration.
Why does it hang under overhangs even when the tank is bright and peaceful?
Many keepers report they use shadows as a comfort zone, then move out to feed and cruise once they’ve learned the tank’s daily rhythm.
Do they tend to stay high, mid, or low in the tank long-term?
They usually adopt a midwater “hover zone” near rock structure, often choosing a consistent lane where flow brings food past them.
Is it normal for their color to look different from morning to evening?
Yes’anthias commonly shift intensity with lighting angle, feeding excitement, and social display, so color can look deeper at certain times of day.
Do they jump like other open-water reef fish?
They can, especially during sudden startles or social chasing, so many hobbyists use a screen top to keep them comfortable and contained.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
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