© Brian Gratwicke / CC BY 2.0Bartlett's Anthias
Bartlett's Anthias is a small fairy basslet native to the central Pacific, including Palau and the Marshall Islands, with a soft lavender body accented by a bright yellow back and fins. Among anthias, this species is relatively hardy and well suited to being kept in groups, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a shoal swimming together rather than a single fish. It is somewhat assertive and squabbles within its own species, so introduce the group all at once and keep only one male. Reaching a maximum size of about 9 cm, it stays compact and manageable in the aquarium. Considered suitable for intermediate-level keepers, its care revolves around offering small amounts of food several times a day.
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Apply as a breederBartlett's Anthias key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 5-8 years
- Size
- Up to 9 cm
- Temperature
- 22〜26℃
- Diet
- Frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, pellets
- Notes
- Squabbles within the species; introduce the whole group at once and keep a single male. Wastes if underfed, so ensure frequent feedings.
- Container & Tank
- Small, but kept in groups; about 265 L or more with brisk flow and rockwork for shelter.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 22-26C, pH 8.1-8.4, SG 1.020-1.025. Keep water quality high with good circulation.
- Diet & Feeding
- Planktivore. Frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp in small amounts several times a day; refugium copepods help.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Harmless to corals and invertebrates. One of the hardier anthias, but somewhat assertive; mind tank size when mixing with other anthias.
About Bartlett's Anthias
Bartlett's Anthias is a small, hardy fairy basslet from the central Pacific near Palau, with a lavender body and yellow back and fins, well suited to group keeping. Adults reach up to 9 cm; recommended for intermediate keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Bartlett's Anthias
1Best Kept in Groups
Bartlett's Anthias has a stronger shoaling instinct than many anthias, so keeping one male with several females lets you see its natural swimming behavior and coloration at their best. Because squabbles occur within the species, introduce the whole group at the same time.
2Great for Reef Tanks
This species is harmless to corals and invertebrates, making it a popular choice for reef aquariums. It is somewhat assertive, however, so pay attention to tank size when housing it with other anthias.
3Feed Small Amounts, Often
Rather than one large feeding, offer small portions several times a day. Infrequent feeding can leave this species looking thin, so a consistent feeding schedule matters.
4Give It Room to Swim
Because it likes to swim actively in a group, a tank with enough open swimming space is preferable. It's also sensitive to sudden water changes, so acclimate it slowly and carefully.
5Stays Compact, Up to 9 cm
Adults top out at around 9 cm, so this species stays a manageable size and is unlikely to outgrow most home aquariums.
6Watch Tankmates Within and Beyond the Species
Although hardy among anthias, it is somewhat assertive and squabbles within its own species. Keep only one male, be careful about tank size when housing it with other anthias, and choose tankmates carefully.
7Introduce It Calmly
This species can be sensitive to sudden change, so dimming the lights during introduction helps it settle into a new tank more smoothly. Watch closely to make sure it starts feeding well.
Frequently asked questions about Bartlett's Anthias
- Q.Is Bartlett's Anthias suitable for beginners?
- A.This species is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers. While relatively hardy for an anthias, it does best with owners who can manage frequent feeding and stable water quality.
- Q.Can it be kept alone?
- A.Keeping it in a group is the basic approach. Introducing one male and several females at the same time lets you see more natural behavior and coloration.
- Q.Can it be kept with corals?
- A.It rarely bothers corals or invertebrates, making it a good fit for reef aquariums.
- Q.Can it be housed with other fish?
- A.It is harmless to corals and invertebrates, but it is somewhat assertive and squabbles within its own species. Keep only one male, be careful about tank size when housing it with other anthias, and choose tankmates carefully.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.Adults reach a maximum of about 9 cm, so it stays a relatively compact size.
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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