Mirolabrichthys pascalus (Jordan & Tanaka, 1927)
Amethyst anthias
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Anthiadidae (Fairy basslets or Streamer basses)
Max. size:  20 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 70 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Bali and the Ryukyu Islands to the Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Australia (Ref. 2334) and New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-8. Description: Characterized by purple to violet color with numerous small dark blue to orange spots; red-orange band on snout to pectoral fin base; female similar, but lacks spots and has shorter dorsal, anal and pelvic fins; greatest depth of body 2.9-3.4 in SL; presence of fleshy protuberance at front of upper lip in male; no prolonged dorsal spine; deeply forked caudal fin with prolonged lobes in male (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  More common at oceanic islands than on continental reefs. Occurs in large groups around coral outcrops and caves of outer reef slopes. Feeds on copepods and other planktonic crustaceans or crustacean larvae and fish eggs (Ref. 9710, 37816).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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