Common name: Damsel fish
General information
The Blue-green Chromis, Chromis limbata, is a small and peaceful reef fish known for its shimmering blue-green coloration. It is a member of the damselfish family, which is popular among aquarists for their hardiness and vibrant colors. These fish are often found in schools in the wild, which makes for a spectacular display in home aquariums.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 100 liter (26 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adaptable to aquarium life.
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet; flakes and frozen food.
- Social
- School Best in groups of 5+.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- Yes Bred in home aquariums.
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusChromisChromis
- SpeciesDamsel fishChromis limbata (Valenciennes, 1833)
- SynonymsHeliases limbatus Valenciennes, 1833Heliazes marginatus Valenciennes, 1843
Care
Blue-green Chromis are relatively easy to care for and can be a good choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with stable water conditions and plenty of swimming space. These fish are not aggressive and do well in a community tank setting with other peaceful species. They are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, and frozen or live meaty foods.
Reproduction
In the wild, Blue-green Chromis spawn during the warmer months, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. In the aquarium, breeding can occur if the environment is stable and there are both males and females present. The eggs will float until they hatch, and the larvae will need to be fed with very small planktonic foods.
Habitat
Chromis limbata is found in the Eastern Atlantic, from the coast of Portugal to the Gulf of Guinea, including the Azores and Madeira. They inhabit shallow reefs and are often seen in large schools above the reef, where they feed on plankton. They can be found at depths ranging from just below the surface to about 60 meters.