Bartlett’s Anthias – Central Pacific

Nemanthias bartlettorum

Bartlett’s Anthias are brilliantly colored fish that create a stunning display, especially when kept in a harem. While they can thrive in groups of at least three, a harem of 6 or 9 offers the best environment. In these groups, one will often morph into a male, and for every 4 or 5 females, adding a male enhances the dynamic and visual appeal. Males actively protect the females, creating an engaging spectacle. Peaceful and reef-safe, Bartlett’s Anthias are an excellent addition to any aquarium. Ensure the tank has a tight-fitting lid, as they may jump when startled. With a high metabolism, these anthias require a varied diet of meaty foods—like mysis shrimp, squid, fish, clams, or specialized carnivore preparations—fed multiple times daily to maintain their health. They can grow up to 3.5 inches and need a minimum tank size of 70 gallons for a harem. Native to the Indo-Pacific, Bartlett’s Anthias inhabit outer reef slopes at depths of up to 100 feet.