Depth
Anthias · Bony Fish

Mediterranean Fairy Basslet

Anthias anthias

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Rocky Reef
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
High
Sighting Likelihood
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Anthias
Species anthias

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationSmall, deep-bodied fish with striking pink to purple body and golden-yellow markings on the head and fins. Very large eyes. Third dorsal spine is elongated into a filament.
  • SizeUp to 25 cm total length, commonly 10 to 15 cm.
  • Social HabitGregarious, forming loose aggregations near vertical walls, cave entrances, and deep overhangs.
  • HabitatDeep rocky walls, cave entrances, and steep drop-offs. Prefers areas with some current and moderate to low light.
  • Depth20 to 200 m, most common between 30 and 80 m.
  • Feeds OnZooplankton caught in the water column near its wall or cave habitat.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent eastern Atlantic.
  • DescriptionOne of the most stunningly colourful fish in the Mediterranean. Fairy basslets hover in small groups near deep walls and cave mouths, their vivid pink and gold colours glowing in torch light. They are a highlight of deeper dives and a sought-after subject for underwater photographers. The elongated third dorsal spine is a distinctive feature.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting rocky reef environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

Loading…

Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Rocky Reef habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Mediterranean Fairy Basslet species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Picks zooplankton from the water column, hovering just above the rocky substrate to intercept passing food particles.

Planktivore

Reproduction

A protogynous hermaphrodite: all individuals start as female and the dominant fish transitions to male. Males maintain small harems.

Hermaphrodite

Behaviour & Defence

Darts into rocky crevices and overhangs at the first sign of danger. Aggregates in groups that provide collective vigilance.

Schooling

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Anthias anthias. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

View dive site ›
18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide