Common name: White-spotted chromis

General information

The White-spotted Chromis, Chromis albomaculata, is a small and peaceful reef fish known for its striking appearance. It has a pale blue to greenish body with a distinctive black spot at the base of the pectoral fin, which is where it gets its alternative name, Black-axil Chromis. This species is not as common in the aquarium trade as some other Chromis species, but it can make a delightful addition to a community reef tank due to its peaceful nature and schooling behavior.

Care

Chromis albomaculata is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity. They thrive in well-established aquariums with stable water conditions and plenty of swimming space. These fish prefer to be in groups, so it's recommended to keep them in small schools to observe their natural behavior. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood, along with high-quality marine flake and pellet food, will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, White-spotted Chromis are known to spawn in groups, releasing their eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. In the aquarium, breeding is less common, but with optimal conditions, they may spawn. The eggs are pelagic, meaning they float with the currents until hatching.

Habitat

Chromis albomaculata is found in the Western Pacific, from the Philippines and Indonesia to northern Australia. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoons and outer reefs, typically at depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters. In the aquarium, replicating their natural environment with live rock for shelter and open water for swimming will help these fish feel at home.