Common name: blue-green chromis
General information
The Green Chromis, Chromis viridis, is a small and peaceful reef fish popular among aquarists for its shimmering greenish-blue coloration and schooling behavior. They are a member of the damselfish family, which is known for its hardiness, making them a suitable choice for both novice and experienced hobbyists.
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 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Easy Hardy and easy for beginners
- Diet
- Omnivore Flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
- Social
- School Best in groups of 6+
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- Yes Commonly bred in captivity
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusChromisChromis
- Speciesblue-green chromisChromis viridis (Cuvier, 1830)
- SynonymsDascyllus cyanurus Rüppell, 1838Glyphisodon bandanensis Bleeker, 1851Heliases frenatus Cuvier, 1830Heliases lepisurus Cuvier, 1830Heliases viridis Cuvier, 1830Pomacentrus viridis Cuvier, 1830
Care
Green Chromis are relatively easy to care for. They thrive in well-established aquariums with stable water conditions and plenty of swimming space. They are best kept in small groups to exhibit their natural schooling behavior. A varied diet of meaty foods and herbivore preparations will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Green Chromis spawn during the morning hours. They release 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, drifting with the currents until hatching.
Habitat
Green Chromis are found throughout the Indo-Pacific in shallow lagoons and reef slopes. They prefer areas with strong water movement and often gather in large schools above staghorn corals and other branching corals for protection and foraging.