| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Planktivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Max Size | 4 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
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| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 2 - 3" - Central Pacific |
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| Out of Stock | 2" or smaller - Central Pacific |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
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Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
Bartlett’s Anthias is a reef-safe, open-water anthias known for its yellow-to-orange base color with purple tones through the back and fins. In reef aquariums it typically holds in the water column above the rockwork and faces into the current, giving you constant mid-water activity.
What You’ll Observe:
- Hovering and “station keeping” in the upper water column, especially in areas of steady flow
- Quick dashes into the rockwork between feedings, then back out to the same mid-water zone
- Strong feeding response to small foods, with repeated short bursts to grab items from the water
- Social pecking order behaviors that look like short chases, especially around feeding time
To succeed, provide open swimming space with multiple rock ledges and caves so it can reset between interactions. Offer small plankton-sized foods in several mini-meals (mysis, finely chopped frozen blends, and appropriately sized pellets) to match how anthias feed in nature.
How many Bartlett’s Anthias should I keep if I don’t want constant chasing?
In many home tanks, a single specimen is the simplest approach; groups tend to create a clear hierarchy. If you’re building a group, more individuals in a larger system often spreads attention out better than a small trio.
Do Bartlett’s Anthias really “all turn male” over time?
They can shift social roles as the group settles, and you may see one fish become more dominant and intensify in color. The end result depends a lot on space, sight lines, and how the group is introduced.
Will they eat pellets, or are they frozen-only fish?
Many hobbyists get them onto pellets after a settling-in period, especially with small, sinking pellets offered alongside frozen foods. Consistency matters more than large portions’think frequent, small bites.
Why does one Bartlett’s Anthias suddenly stay in the rocks even though it still eats?
It’s common for anthias to use the rockwork as a “reset” zone while the social order is sorting out. Extra caves and broken sight lines often helps them resume regular mid-water behavior.
Do I need a lid for Bartlett’s Anthias?
A mesh cover is commonly used for anthias because sudden startles can trigger jumping, especially in newer additions or during lights-out transitions. A tight-fitting screen top keeps the tank looking open while adding protection.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
