Common name: Ternate chromis

Scientific name: Chromis ternatensis (Bleeker, 1856)
Large schools of Ternate chromis, Chromis ternatensis, over Acropora corals, Raja Ampat Indonesia.Tropical fishes Golden Chromis
Underwater scenic in Maldives - Dascyllus Aruanus - Chromis atripectoralis - Chromis ternatensis - Acropora nasutaBunch of Gorgonian seafan with Damselfish (Mergui archipelago, Myanmar)

General information

The Ternate Chromis (Chromis ternatensis) is a small and peaceful marine fish that is gaining popularity in the reefkeeping hobby. This species is known for its striking coloration, typically a blend of blue and green hues that can add a vibrant splash to any aquarium. They are schooling fish and exhibit more natural behaviors when kept in groups.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Average size
8 cm (3″)
Care level
Easy Hardy and easy for beginners
Diet
Omnivore Flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
Social
School Best in groups of 6 or more
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
Yes Available as captive-bred

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
    Ternate chromis
    Chromis ternatensis (Bleeker, 1856)
  8. Synonyms
    Chromis caerulea (Cuvier, 1830)
    Chromis coeruleus (Cuvier, 1830)
    Chromis frenatus Cuvier & Valenciennes
    Chromis lepidurus Cuvier & Valenciennes
    Chromis philippinus Fowler, 1918
    Chromis ternatense (Bleeker, 1856)
    Cromis ternatensis (Bleeker, 1856)
    Heliases caeruleus Cuvier, 1830
    Heliases frenatus Sauvage, 1891
    Heliases ternatensis Bleeker, 1856
    Pomacentrus coeruleus Cuvier, 1829

Care

Ternate Chromis are relatively hardy and can be a good choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with stable water conditions and plenty of swimming space. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a small group. These fish are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, and frozen or live meaty foods.

Reproduction

Like many damselfish, the Ternate Chromis are oviparous, with distinct pairing during breeding. They lay their eggs on a flat surface, which are then guarded and cared for by the male until they hatch. Breeding in captivity can be achieved with proper tank conditions and a well-established pair.

Habitat

Chromis ternatensis is found in the Western Pacific, from Indonesia to the Solomon Islands, and typically inhabits coral-rich areas of lagoons and outer reefs. They prefer clear waters and can be found at depths ranging from shallow coral gardens to deeper reef slopes.