Pseudanthias pulcherrimus (Heemstra & Randall, 1986)
Resplendent goldie
Pseudanthias pulcherrimus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Anthiadidae (Fairy basslets or Streamer basses)
Max. size:  7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 70 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Andaman Islands, Maldives, Chagos Archipelago, Seychelles (Ref. 10685), and Mauritius.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Description: Characterized by male with yellowish to reddish orange color on back grading to whitish or magenta below, presence of red band anteriorly on anal fin and posteriorly on pelvic fins; female yellowish color on snout and upper back grading to pink or magenta below with dusky spot on each body scale, caudal fin lobes yellow; greatest depth of body 2.7-3.1 in SL; fleshy protuberance at front of upper lip absent in male; prolonged third dorsal spine; lunate caudal fin with prolonged lobes in male (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits deep reefs. Forms small groups near caves and ledges, steep dropoffs in 10-70 m (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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