All fish / Anthiadidae (formerly Serranidae)

Regal Anthias

Nemanthias regalis

Also known as regal anthias, pseudanthias regalis, anthias regalis, marquesan anthias, marquesas anthias

A small, slender anthias found only around the Marquesas Islands, where it gathers in groups above rocky reef slopes. It is purple to lavender with yellow-orange tones, and males have elongated fin rays and stronger colour. Keepers prize it as a rare collector's fish for peaceful reef tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

24 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

One male with several females, or a group of 5 or more

Diet

Carnivore: frequent small feeds of mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood and quality small pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 7 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia (endemic)

Breeding

Like other anthias it is a protogynous hermaphrodite, so the dominant female in a group can turn into a male. It scatters tiny pelagic eggs, and rearing the larvae in home aquariums has not been reported.

Good to know

Rarely exported and expensive because of its remote native range, and it needs several feeds a day to stay in good condition. Keep it away from large predators and very boisterous tankmates, and give it plenty of open swimming space with rockwork to hide in.