Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Bartlett's Anthias
Nemanthias bartlettorum (Randall & Lubbock, 1981)
Also called Bartletts' anthias, Pseudanthias bartlettorum, Anthias bartlettorum
From Western and central Pacific islands, including Palau, the Caroline and Marshall Islands, Nauru, Kiribati and Tonga.12
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Scaled, elongated anthias
A slender, slightly flattened anthias about three times as long as it is deep. The upper part of the body is bright yellow and the lower part lavender, with an orange band running from the snout to below the eye. Males have a thick, slightly pointed upper lip that moves up and down.2
Personality what they are like
Peaceful toward most tankmates and happiest in a group of its own kind, where males display to the females.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Constantly on the move in midwater and enjoys strong water flow like the current-swept reef edges it comes from.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Feed small meals often and provide strong circulation from powerheads or wavemakers. Typical reef water: about 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025.3
Home where they are happiest
An aquarium of at least about 70 US gallons (about 265 L) with plenty of live rock arranged into slopes, caves and overhangs, plus open swimming room. Wild fish live on reef faces, drop-offs and channels with strong currents, down to about 30 m.312
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A plankton picker. Offer frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp and quality flakes in small portions through the day; a copepod-rich refugium helps.23
Company who they like around
Keep in a group, ideally one male with several females. In nature they form large shoals of a few males with dozens of females and juveniles.123
The story where it all began
John E. Randall and Roger Lubbock described the species in 1981 as Anthias bartlettorum. It honours Nathan and Patricia Bartlett, whose underwater photographs helped bring it to scientific attention. It was later moved to Pseudanthias, and FishBase now lists it in Nemanthias.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is named after underwater photographers Nathan and Patricia Bartlett.2
- 2
Wild shoals can hold several dozen females and juveniles for just a handful of males.2
- 3
Like other anthias, the largest female can become a male if the group loses its male.3
- 4
Males have a fleshy upper lip that moves up and down, a feature females lack.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed March 2015)1
- Taxonomy
- Family Serranidae (Anthiadinae); first described as Anthias bartlettorum, later placed in Pseudanthias and now listed by FishBase as Nemanthias2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bartlett's Anthias. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Bartlett's Anthias?
Feed small meals once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. They are plankton pickers that do best with small, frequent portions throughout the day.32 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Bartlett's Anthias eat, and what should it never eat?
Offer frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and quality flakes in small portions. A copepod-rich refugium also helps. Never feed anything that is not a small, plankton-type food, and avoid large or sinking foods that could cause digestive issues.32
How much space does a Bartlett's Anthias need?
An aquarium of at least 70 US gallons (about 265 L) is recommended. Provide plenty of live rock arranged into slopes, caves, and overhangs, plus open swimming room.321
What temperature, light or water does a Bartlett's Anthias need?
Keep water temperature around 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. They enjoy strong water flow from powerheads or wavemakers.3
How often should I clean a Bartlett's Anthias's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly glass clean and a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Check temperature daily, salinity weekly, and test water weekly. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Bartlett's Anthias live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful toward most tankmates and happiest in a group of their own kind, ideally one male with several females. In nature they form large shoals.321
How long does a Bartlett's Anthias live?
Lifespan varies and is not specified in the provided information. Ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for more details.
Can I handle a Bartlett's Anthias?
Handling is not recommended as they are delicate fish that need stable water conditions. Avoid touching them to prevent stress or injury.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Lyretail AnthiasWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Nemanthias bartlettorum fishbase.seused for origin, size, depth, social structure, IUCN status
- Wikipedia: Nemanthias bartlettorum en.wikipedia.orgused for description, colours, etymology, taxonomy, history
- LiveAquaria: Bartlett's Anthias liveaquaria.comused for care level, tank size, water parameters, feeding
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.