Pseudanthias bartlettorum (Bartlett’s Anthias)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes
• Minimum tank size: 265L+ (preferably 380L+ for groups)
• Adult size: ~9 cm (3.5 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous (frozen mysis shrimp, enriched frozen brine shrimp, high-quality flake foods)
• Be aware of: Semi-aggressive behavior, especially among males. Best kept in harems (one male with multiple females) to minimize aggression. Requires frequent feedings due to high metabolism.
Bartlett’s Anthias (Pseudanthias bartlettorum) – A Vibrant and Active Reef Fish
The Bartlett’s Anthias is a stunning and active species known for its vibrant coloration and dynamic presence in reef aquariums. Native to the Western Pacific Ocean, particularly around the Marshall Islands, this fish is a popular choicefor aquarists seeking to add a splash of color and movement to their tanks. While relatively hardy, they require specific care to thrive in captivity.
Appearance and Coloration
Bartlett’s Anthias are highly sought after for their striking appearance:
• Brilliant yellow dorsal region, extending from the head to the tail.
• Lavender to pinkish-purple body, creating a vivid contrast.
• Males exhibit more intense coloration and may develop elongated dorsal fin rays.
This vibrant palette makes them a centerpiece in any marine aquarium.
Natural Habitat and Behavior
In the wild, Bartlett’s Anthias are found in:
• Outer reef slopes and drop-offs, often at depths of 10 to 40 meters.
• Large aggregations, where they form harems consisting of one dominant male and multiple females.
Their natural behaviors include:
• Planktivorous feeding, actively swimming in the water column to capture zooplankton.
• Social hierarchy, with a clear dominance structure within groups.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
To replicate their natural environment:
• Minimum tank size: 265L+ (70 gallons); larger tanks (380L+) are recommended for groups.
• Temperature: 22–25.5°C (72–78°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025
• Water movement: Moderate to strong, to simulate reef currents.
• Aquascaping: Provide ample live rock to create caves and overhangs for shelter.
Maintaining high water quality is crucial, as Anthias are sensitive to fluctuations.
Diet and Feeding
Bartlett’s Anthias have a high metabolism and require:
• Frequent feedings, ideally three times daily.
• A varied diet including:
• Frozen mysis shrimp
• Enriched frozen brine shrimp
• High-quality flake foods
An attached refugium cultivating copepods and amphipods can provide a steady supply of live food, enhancing their diet.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
When selecting tank mates:
• Compatible with:
• Peaceful reef inhabitants, such as gobies, blennies, and wrasses.
• Other Anthias species, provided the tank is large enough to prevent territorial disputes.
• Avoid housing with:
• Aggressive or predatory fish, which may intimidate or outcompete them.
• Overly dominant species, which can disrupt their social structure.
Social Structure:
• Best kept in harems, with one male and multiple females.
• Females can transition to males if the dominant male is lost, due to their hermaphroditic nature.
Behavior and Social Structure
Bartlett’s Anthias are:
• Active swimmers, often occupying the middle to upper regions of the tank.
• Social fish, displaying natural schooling behavior when kept in groups.
Providing a peaceful environment with plenty of swimming space encourages natural behaviors.
Health and Disease Considerations
To maintain health:
• Ensure a varied and nutritious diet to prevent malnutrition.
• Maintain stable water parameters to reduce stress and susceptibility to disease.
• Quarantine new additions to prevent the introduction of pathogens.
Regular monitoring and prompt attention to signs of illness are essential.
Lifespan and Long-Term Care
With proper care, Bartlett’s Anthias can live up to 5 years in captivity. Their vibrant colors, active nature, and social behaviors make them a rewarding addition to well-maintained reef aquariums.
Why Choose a Bartlett’s Anthias?
• Striking coloration, adding visual appeal to the aquarium.
• Active and engaging, providing constant movement.
• Reef-safe, posing no threat to corals or invertebrates.
• Social dynamics, offering interesting behavioral observations.
Important Considerations Before Purchase:
• Requires frequent feedings, which may not suit all schedules.
• Needs a spacious tank, especially when kept in groups.
• Sensitive to water quality, necessitating diligent maintenance.
By meeting their specific care requirements, Bartlett’s Anthias can become a vibrant and dynamic centerpiece in a marine aquarium.