There are a number of strikingly purple fish that dwell in the ocean’s saltwater habitats. These fish span several species and families, inhabiting tropical reefs as well as more temperate areas. Their vibrant violet and lavender hues stand out underwater, making many of these species popular aquarium fish. But what are the purple saltwater fish found around the world? Here we will explore some of the most prominent purple-colored fish that thrive in saltwater environments.
Damselfish
One family of fish, the damselfish (Pomacentridae), contains several species with brilliant purple coloration. Damselfish are small, ranging from just an inch to around 6 inches long. They live throughout warm and tropical waters, especially around coral reefs in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
Some popular purple damselfish include:
| Species | Description |
| Purple firefish | Striking violet fish from the Pacific and Indian Oceans, max length around 6 inches |
| Violet demoiselle | Deep purple fish from the Red Sea and East Africa, max length around 3 inches |
| Purple chromis | Brilliant purple fish from the Red Sea and East Africa, max length around 3 inches |
These damselfish get their royal hue from unique combinations of chromatophores and structural colors in their skin. They often exhibit iridescence as well, flashing hints of blue and pink under certain light. Some species intensify their coloration during mating displays.
Wrasse
Wrasses comprise a very large and diverse family (Labridae) with over 600 species. Most have elongated bodies and protractible mouths used for feeding on small invertebrates. Several wrasses boast striking purple and violet shades. Examples include:
| Species | Description |
| Purple tuskfish | Vivid violet wrasse from the Indo-Pacific, max length around 20 inches |
| Purple queen anthias | Brilliant purple wrasse from the Red Sea, max length around 4 inches |
| Sunset thick-lipped wrasse | Colorful wrasse with bright purple fins, max length around 4 inches |
The vibrant hues in these wrasses stem from similar color-producing mechanisms as damselfish. Pigment cells containing purines produce the vivid violet tones. Iridescence is also common, generated by guanine crystals in the skin.
Parrotfish
Parrotfish are a group of over 100 species in the family Scaridae, named for their parrot-like beaks used for biting off algae and coral. They are key grazers on coral reefs around the tropics. Several parrotfish species exhibit striking purple tones:
| Species | Description |
| Purpleband parrotfish | Green fish with purple banding, found in the Caribbean |
| Purple masked parrotfish | Green and purple fish from the Red Sea, max length around 20 inches |
| Purplestop parrotfish | Green and purple fish from the Indo-Pacific, max length around 20 inches |
Their purple hues may help parrotfish communicate and recognize others in the busy reef environment. Coloration can indicate sex and maturity in parrotfish as well. The purple pigments likely derive from purines, with iridescence from crystalline guanine.
Anthias
Anthias comprise a group of around 160 species in the family Serranidae. They are elegant reef fish found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Several anthias species display striking violet and purple shades:
| Species | Description |
| Bartlett’s anthias | Bright purple fish from the Indian and Pacific Oceans, max length around 4 inches |
| Purple queen anthias | Vibrant purple anthias from the Red Sea, max length around 4 inches |
| Purple-base anthias | Red fish with vivid purple cape from the Indian Ocean, max length around 8 inches |
Their dazzling purple tones likely help anthias attract mates and recognize others on the reef. As with other groups, purines and guanine crystals are responsible for the colors.
Surgeonfish
Surgeonfish comprise a family (Acanthuridae) of around 80 species of reef fish. Several surgeonfish display striking purple and violet tones, like:
| Species | Description |
| Lined surgeonfish | Indo-Pacific fish with blue and purple lines, max length around 10 inches |
| Purple tang | Bright purple tang from the Caribbean, max length around 12 inches |
| Royal gramma | Vibrant purple fish from the Caribbean, max length around 3 inches |
Their purple skin comes from chromatophores with purines. Iridescence from stacked platelets containing guanine adds extra color. The hues likely help with camouflage and communication on the reef.
Jawfish
Jawfish comprise around 130 species in the family Opistognathidae. They are elongated reef fish mostly found in the Indo-Pacific region. Some jawfish display striking purple and violet shades, like:
| Species | Description |
| Neon dwarf jawfish | Tiny violet fish from the Indo-Pacific, max length less than 2 inches |
| Flameback jawfish | Red fish with purple fins from the Indo-Pacific |
| Pacific doublebar jawfish | Pale purple and yellow jawfish from the Indo-Pacific |
As with other fish, purines in chromatophores produce the purple and violet tones in jawfish. Fluorescence may enhance the colors in some species as well. The vivid hues likely facilitate signaling and camouflage.
Others
Beyond the groups above, numerous other saltwater fish exhibit striking purple shades as well. A few more examples include:
| Species | Description |
| Mandarmanda | Shocking purple fish from the Indian and Pacific Oceans, max length around 4 inches |
| Purple fire goby | Vibrant purple fish from the Indo-Pacific, max length around 2 inches |
| Purple dottyback | Pale fish with vivid purple dots from the Indian and Pacific Oceans, max length around 5 inches |
As with other purple saltwater fish, these species derive their hues from purines and crystalline guanine platelets embedded in the skin. The vibrant tones likely facilitate signaling and camouflage on the reef.
Conclusion
A diversity of dazzling purple fish thrive in the world’s saltwater habitats. Species spanning damselfish, wrasses, parrotfish, anthias, surgeonfish, jawfish, and more exhibit striking violet and lavender shades. These hues stem from purines and guanine crystals in the skin, and help the fish communicate, camouflage, and find mates on the reef. So next time you visit a tropical coral reef or aquarium, keep an eye out for these stunning purple denizens of the sea. The vibrant colors on display demonstrate nature’s boundless capacity for beauty and wonder.
