Common name: Philippines chromis

Scientific name: Chromis scotochiloptera Fowler, 1918
Reef scenic with Philippines chromis, Chromis scotochiloptera, Bangka Island Sulawesi Indonesia.Reef scenic with Philippines chromis, Chromis scotochiloptera, Bangka Island Sulawesi Indonesia.
Reef scenic with Philippines chromis, Chromis scotochiloptera, Bangka Island Sulawesi Indonesia.Reef scenic with Acropora coral and Philippines chromis, Chromis scotochiloptera, Sulawesi Indonesia.

General information

The Blue-Green Reef Chromis, Chromis scotochiloptera, is a small and peaceful fish that is a popular choice for many reef aquariums. Known for their vibrant blue-green coloration and schooling behavior, these fish add both color and dynamic movement to a tank. They are a hardy species, which makes them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
100 liter (26 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
10 cm (4″)
Care level
Easy Hardy and adaptable.
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet; flakes and pellets.
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
    Philippines chromis
    Chromis scotochiloptera Fowler, 1918

Care

Blue-Green Reef Chromis are relatively easy to care for. They thrive in well-established aquariums with stable water conditions and plenty of swimming space. A tank with live rock formations and moderate to strong water flow mimics their natural habitat and provides them with hiding places. They are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods including small pellets, flake foods, and frozen or live brine shrimp and mysis shrimp.

Reproduction

In the wild, Blue-Green Reef Chromis spawn over reef slopes and ledges, releasing their eggs into the water column. In the aquarium, breeding is less common but can occur if a group is well-established and comfortable. The eggs are pelagic, meaning they float with the currents until hatching.

Habitat

Blue-Green Reef Chromis are found in the Western Pacific, from Indonesia to the Great Barrier Reef and the Solomon Islands. They prefer shallow, clear waters of lagoons and outer reef slopes, typically at depths of 2 to 15 meters.