Bartlett's Anthias

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Western and Central Pacific Ocean, distributed from Palau to the Tuamotu Islands and Marshall Islands. Found on steep outer reef slopes exposed to strong currents.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the subfamily Anthiadinae within the family Serranidae. Highly prized for its vibrant and distinct bicolored appearance.

Social Behavior: Gregarious, active, and schooling species. Forms strict harems consisting of a single dominant male and several females, hovering over stony coral heads.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Features a striking bicolored pattern: the upper back and dorsal fin are bright lemon yellow, while the lower body and belly are lavender-pink.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a spacious reef aquarium of at least 250 liters with plenty of live rock for shelter and strong water flow to simulate reef slopes.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous and planktivorous. Requires multiple small feedings daily of high-quality frozen mysis, brine shrimp, copepods, and enriched dry foods.

Water Quality: Standard marine conditions: temperature 22-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025 with highly efficient biological filtration and high oxygen levels.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Peaceful with other reef fish, but territorial towards other anthias. Best kept in a harem of one male and three or more females.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite; the dominant female will transition into a male if the resident male dies. Spawning in home aquariums is rare.

Risks and Diseases: Susceptible to starvation if not fed frequently. High jump risk, so a tight-fitting lid or screen cover is mandatory.