© 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. Its calm, peaceful temperament also makes it a good community tank resident. 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 breederAbout 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 several together lets you see its natural swimming behavior and coloration at their best. A single fish can also do fine, but check compatibility with tankmates in advance.
2Great for Reef Tanks
This species poses little risk to corals or invertebrates, making it a popular choice for reef aquariums. It also tends to get along well with other small anthias and gobies.
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 for Aggressive Tankmates
Although generally peaceful, conflicts can arise if it's housed with aggressive larger fish or multiple males of its own species. 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.Yes, it can be kept singly. However, since it has a strong shoaling instinct, keeping several together 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.Its peaceful temperament makes it compatible with other small anthias and gobies. That said, aggressive larger fish or multiple males of its own species can lead to territorial conflict, so 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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