Common name: Damsel fish

Scientific name: Chromis limbata (Valenciennes, 1833)
Azores chromis (Chromis limbata)Pez Fula Blanca nadando en el azul
blue chromis fish macroAtlantischer Mönchsfisch (Chromis limbata)

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

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Damselfish
    Pomacentridae
  6. Genus
    Chromis
    Chromis
  7. Species
    Damsel fish
    Chromis limbata (Valenciennes, 1833)
  8. Synonyms
    Heliases limbatus Valenciennes, 1833
    Heliazes 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.