Square-Spot Anthias

Scientific name : Pseudanthias pleurotaenia

Red to violet anthias, males with a big square-spot on the body and the third ray of the dorsal fin longer than the others.In female specimens the square-spot is absent, but they have a couple of violet stripes starting from the eye until the caudal peduncle.
Mainly along the external reef, usually under 25 meters. Groups generally harem with females far outnumbering males. hermaphrodites, dominant female can change sex in 2-3 weeks becoming males. Juveniles often solitary, remain close to shelters.
Easily distinguishable from other anthias species for the evident square-spot. Some difficulties in distinguish females from P. squamipinnis and P. sheni, if observed without the presence of males.