Blue Chromis
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A bright-blue Caribbean damselfish best kept in groups of six or more. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
With electric-blue scales and jet-black trim stripes, this is an active species that makes a flashy, welcome addition to both fish-only and reef aquariums.
Family: Pomacentridae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Reef. Provide plenty of suitable hiding places as well as a wide expanse of open water swimming space.
Maximum length: 13 cm (5 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 209 L (55 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: Mid-level.
[edit] Feeding
Carnivore. Feed a variety of meaty and algae-based foods at least twice a day. Color-enhancing foods can help maintain its bright pigmentation.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
It can be kept singly or in groups (juveniles are often more comfortable in the latter). If more than one is housed in the same tank, dominance hierarchies will develop among individuals (a fish’s position in the pecking order is a function of its size). It is often best to keep six or more in a larger tank, because in smaller groups those individuals on the bottom of the pecking order may be harassed to death.
While the Blue Chromis is relatively peace loving, it may pick on small zooplankton eaters (as always, this is a bigger problem in a smaller tank).
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Demersal (on or near the bottom) spawners that tend and protect their broods.
[edit] Notes
This fish spends much of its time cruising the water column hunting for plankton. When first introduced or when stressed, its color will be dull, but once acclimated, it typically adopts a pleasing blue-and-black chromatic attire.
Common name | Blue Chromis + |
Family | Pomacentridae + |
Genus | Chromis + |
Image credit | SWM + |
Maximum length | 5 in + |
Minimum aquarium size | 55 gal + |
Native range | Tropical Western Atlantic +, Caribbean +, Bermuda +, Florida +, and Bahamas + |
Reference | 101 Best Saltwater Fishes + |
Specific name | cyanea + |
Swimming level | Mid-level. + |
Text credit | SWM + |
Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
Water type | Marine + |