Scribbled Anthias

Widespread Indian Ocean, ranging east to at least Bali. Coastal to outer reefs along the base of drop-offs at 10 to 60m depth. Highly variable species, showing different or stronger colour patterns when living together with closely related or similar looking species to enhance recognition by females that swim in mixed-species groups. This may lead to further speciation. Closely related species such as Pseudanthias pleurotaenia and P.bimaculatus may spawn at the same time and produce accidental hybrids. Length to 14cm.