Pseudanthias pleurotaenia is rather rare at Kwaj, although it may just be that they mostly live deeper than we dive. The few we have seen were in the 40 to 60m range on the steep seaward slope. The male develops a squarish spot on each side, giving it the common name of square-spot anthias. Females are mostly yellow but more attractive than usual for female anthias.
The orange one appears to be changing to male, but the lateral square spot has not yet developed.
An interesting individual photographed with both male and female Pseudanthias pleurotaenia by Jay Lord was lighter in color, without the markings of either males or females.
Created 5 June 2010
Updated 29 June 2019