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Pseudanthias pleurotaenia

Pseudanthias pleurotaenia

The Pseudanthias pleurotaenia, also known as the yellowtail anthias, is a colorful fish found in warm ocean waters. It loves to swim in groups and can be seen darting around coral reefs, making them a beautiful sight for divers.

Habitat: Coral reefs

Appearance

The Pseudanthias pleurotaenia has a vibrant, purplish-pink body, with males featuring a distinctive rectangular reddish-yellow patch on their sides. Females are generally more orange-yellow, lacking the prominent lateral 'squarespot'. Their iridescent scales create a shimmering effect.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderPerciformesFamilySerranidaeGenusPseudanthias
Pseudanthias pleurotaenia
social trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgecarnivorous trait badge
Pseudanthias pleurotaenia

Category

Fish

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

If the dominant male disappears, the largest female in the group transforms into a male!

Males guard a 'harem' of up to 10 females, displaying their vibrant colors to impress them.

These fish often gather in giant shimmering schools, looking like living jewels on the reef.

They are sometimes called 'squarespot anthias' due to the male's distinct rectangular patch.

Special abilities

Ability

Gender Changer

Pseudanthias pleurotaenia can change sex from female to male to ensure successful reproduction within their social group.

Ability

Current Conqueror

Pseudanthias pleurotaenia constantly swims against strong currents to snatch tiny plankton, ensuring a steady food supply.

Ability

Color Communicator

Pseudanthias pleurotaenia can rapidly intensify its colors to signal dominance or attract mates among its school.

Measurements & details

Length
8-12 cm
Weight
0.01-0.05 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Swim Speed
8 km/h
Maximum Depth
60 m
Water Type
Saltwater

Diet & Feeding

These vibrant fish gracefully feed on tiny plankton and small invertebrates floating in the water.

Age differences: null

Primary Foods

  • zooplankton
  • copepods
  • larval crustaceans
  • fish eggs

Foraging Method

  • Filter Feeding

Ecological connections

eaten by

Orange-spotted grouper

Epinephelus coioides

Hunts them around reef structures.

eaten by

Spotted coral grouper

Plectropomus maculatus

An ambush predator on coral reefs.

shelters

Cauliflower coral

Pocillopora damicornis

Hides within its complex coral branches.

Traits

Also known as

Yellowtail Anthias

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch from a distance when exploring the ocean; some fish can be shy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Pseudanthias pleurotaenia?

8-12 cm

How much does Pseudanthias pleurotaenia weigh?

0.01-0.05 kg

How long does Pseudanthias pleurotaenia live?

5-10 years

What does Pseudanthias pleurotaenia eat?

These vibrant fish gracefully feed on tiny plankton and small invertebrates floating in the water.

How fast can Pseudanthias pleurotaenia swim?

8 km/h

Where is Pseudanthias pleurotaenia usually found?

Coral reefs

How does Pseudanthias pleurotaenia hunt?

Filter Feeding

How deep can Pseudanthias pleurotaenia go?

60 m

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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