Ambon Chromis (Chromis amboinensis) Care Guide
Chromis amboinensis is a western Pacific damselfish of coral-rich reefs, abundant on steep outer slopes below 24 m and forming feeding aggregations.
Overview
Chromis amboinensis, the Ambon chromis, is a western Pacific damselfish of the family Pomacentridae. FishBase places it in the genus Pycnochromis (Pycnochromis amboinensis). It is a pale-bodied planktivore found in aggregations on coral reefs.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Chromis
- Scientific name: Chromis amboinensis
- Current placement: Pycnochromis amboinensis (FishBase)
Habitat
The species ranges from Christmas Island and the northwest shelf of Australia in the eastern Indian Ocean east to Samoa, Tonga and the Marshall Islands. It inhabits coral-rich areas of clear lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of 5-70 m, being abundant on steep outer reef slopes below 24 m; juveniles shelter in branching corals while adults occupy caves.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Adult size: up to about 10 cm
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
FishBase gives a trophic level of 2.7, indicating an omnivorous diet. In the aquarium small frozen and prepared marine foods offered two times daily are suitable.
Compatibility
A peaceful, diurnal species found in aggregations. It mixes with clownfish, tangs, wrasses and gobies. Aggressive damselfish and predators such as lionfish should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
The Ambon chromis is reef-safe. It feeds in the water column and uses corals and caves for shelter, suiting reef aquariums with moderate flow.
Breeding
The species is oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding; males guard and aerate eggs that adhere to the substrate. Captive breeding is considered difficult.