The Yellowback Anthias (Pseudanthias evansi) is a marine (saltwater) fish in the Serranidae family of sea basses and groupers. It is also known as the Goldback Anthias, Goldback Basslet, and Purple Wreckfish.
The female Yellowback Anthias is mainly violet with a yellow back and yellow caudal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked with long thin edges. It has a light purple line through its eyes. The male has yellow dots on its upper body.
It grows to 8 centimetres (3 inches) in length.
It is found in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, particularly in the waters off the East Africa coast. It prefers deep reefs.
It lives in large shoals of several thousand individuals.
The Yellowback Anthias feeds on plankton.
In a breeding group, if a male is absent, the dominant female will become a male.
Location of photographs: Aquarium de Paris-Cinéaqua
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM