The Barletts’ anthias is a tropical marine species found on coral reefs in the western Pacific Ocean. It is a brightly colored fish most commonly seen during the day swimming above areas of branching coral where it will seek shelter when threatened.

Like most anthias species, the Bartletts’ anthias forms large schools made up of numerous, small social harems. Each harem is usually composed of a dominant male, several less dominant males, numerous females and juveniles. The dominant male is continually defending the harem from challenges by other males..

 You can see this colorful reef inhabitant in the Tropical Diver exhibit.

• The male Bartletts’ anthias is much more colorful than the female, His colors can include mixes of purples, reds, yellows and oranges.
• The female is usually orange and is smaller than her mate.
• The male performs a complicated courtship dance to attract females into his harem for spawning
• The Bartletts’ anthias is named after a husband and wife team that first described it.
• Anthias can change gender from female to male due to environmental or social factors.

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