Pseudanthias bartlettorum

Datasheet

General Description

The Bartlett's Anthias, scientifically known as Pseudanthias bartlettorum, is also referred to as the Bartlett’s Fairy Bass. Males of this species exhibit a vibrant color palette with a violet body and yellow accents along the back through the upper caudal lobe. Females, on the other hand, showcase a lavender hue with yellow coloring on their back and caudal fin.

Aquarium Suitability

Bartlett's Anthias thrives best when housed with their own species in a species tank of at least 70 gallons. While being a stunning addition to a peaceful fish-only marine aquarium, this species also complements a mixed reef aquarium beautifully.

Demands, Care and Hardiness

Requiring a moderate level of care, Bartlett's Anthias prefer environments that closely resemble natural reef conditions. To emulate their natural habitat, aquascape with ample live rock, incorporating slopes, caves, and overhangs to create a diverse and engaging landscape. It is essential to maintain good water movement using a powerhead or wavemaker and ensure high water quality consistent with a reef environment.

Reef Suitability

This species is reef-compatible, making it a suitable addition to a reef tank setup. Bartlett's Anthias can inject vibrant colors throughout all levels of the aquarium, adding beauty to the reef ecosystem.

Aquarium Setup

To set up an aquarium suitable for Bartlett's Anthias, aim for a tank size of at least 70 gallons for a species-only setup. Incorporate live rock and create a varied aquascape with slopes, caves, and overhangs. Ensure good water movement and strive for high water quality to mimic natural reef conditions.

Behaviour

Bartlett's Anthias are known to predominantly occupy the middle of the aquarium's water column, though they can freely explore all regions of the tank. The species adds lively movement and striking coloration to any tank it inhabits.

Feeding and Diet

When acclimated to a new environment, Bartlett's Anthias thrive on a varied diet. Offer a combination of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched frozen brine shrimp, and high-quality flake foods in small quantities throughout the day. An attached refugium cultivating copepods and amphipods can provide a continuous supply of nutritious live food to keep this active planktivore content.

Dimorphism

This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with distinctive color differences between males and females. In cases where a dominant male perishes, the largest female in the group often undergoes a morphological change to assume the dominant male role.