Bartlett's Anthias

Bartlett's anthias lives on the outer reefs of Micronesia and the central Pacific islands in large groups in which a few males accompany dozens of females and juveniles. The back of its lavender-pink body is covered by a broad golden-yellow band; males are larger and more saturated in color. With a 2022 revision it was moved from Pseudanthias to the genus Nemanthias. Specimens are wild-collected; among anthias it is relatively hardy and switches easily to prepared food.

• At least 300 liters for a group of one male and 3–5 females; open water in the upper part of the tank.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C; high oxygen and moderate to strong flow.
• Rock and coral structures to shelter in; a lid is recommended.
• Reef-safe: It leaves corals and invertebrates alone.

Carnivorous; it picks plankton. Offer frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, fish roe and small granule foods in small amounts at least 3 times a day.

Peaceful and active. Males display at each other; in a small aquarium only one male should be kept.

Good companions: Clownfish, fairy and flasher wrasses, dwarf angelfish, tangs, gobies, cardinalfish.

Avoid: Lionfish, groupers, dottybacks, large hogfish, very fast fish that grab the food.