Fin's Fish Guide
The Blotched fairy basslet (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The squarespot anthias is an anthias (Serranidae) from the western Pacific. The species is handsomely coloured; the male is purple-pink with a conspicuous pale, square blotch in the middle of the flank, the female orange-yellow. It forms aggregations that hover a few metres above current-swept reef edges and steep walls. There it catches zooplankton from the current. It is protogynous: the largest female can change into a male. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blotched fairy basslet?
The Blotched fairy basslet has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern. Male purplish pink with a pale square flank blotch; plankton-catching, protogynous anthias.
Where does the Blotched fairy basslet live?
The Blotched fairy basslet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific; current-swept reef edges.
How big does the Blotched fairy basslet get?
The Blotched fairy basslet grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Blotched fairy basslet dangerous to humans?
No, the Blotched fairy basslet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blotched fairy basslet edible?
The Blotched fairy basslet is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pseudanthias
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Blotched fairy basslet?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blotched fairy basslet is one of 12,519 species in the app.