Fin's Fish Guide
The Barbier (Anthias anthias) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 27 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Portugal and the Mediterranean Sea southwards to Angola, including the Azores and to northern Namibia.
Description
The swallowtail seaperch is a vivid reef bass of the family Serranidae reaching about 27 cm. The body is pink to reddish with yellow tones, and the species is named for its deeply forked 'swallowtail' and greatly elongated pelvic fins. It lives in groups by steep rock faces, coral and submarine caves in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic, usually between 30 and 50 m, and is mainly active at night. Adults feed on crustaceans and small fishes. The species is thought to be a protogynous hermaphrodite. Its bright colour makes it popular in the aquarium trade.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barbier?
The Barbier has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern. Bright pink reef basslet with elongated pelvic fins and a deeply forked 'swallowtail'; lives in groups near underwater caves and steep rocks.
Where does the Barbier live?
The Barbier lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic from Portugal and the Mediterranean Sea southwards to Angola, including the Azores and to northern Namibia.
How big does the Barbier get?
The Barbier grows to a maximum of about 27 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Barbier dangerous to humans?
No, the Barbier is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Barbier edible?
The Barbier is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Barbier and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Anthias
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Barbier?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barbier is one of 12,519 species in the app.