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.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Ambon Chromis Breeding Guide
Overview
Chromis amboinensis (recorded by FishBase as Pycnochromis amboinensis) ranges in the Western Pacific from the eastern Indian Ocean to Samoa, Tonga and the Marshall Islands, reaching about 10 cm. Adults inhabit caves on steep outer reef slopes, often below 24 m, while juveniles occupy shallow branching corals. FishBase records it as oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding, demersal eggs adhering to the substrate, and male guarding and aeration. IUCN status is Least Concern.
Sexing
External sexual differences are slight outside the breeding period, so reproductive role is the practical guide. The male establishes and tends a substrate nest while the female enters to lay. Because this species congregates in groups, keeping several together is the most reliable way to obtain a compatible pair.
Conditioning
A group held in stable reef water and fed several small daily meals reaches condition. Regular feeding of fine planktonic and meaty foods supports egg production and matches the planktivorous habit of this aggregating reef-slope chromis recorded on FishBase.
Breeding Setup
Following the pomacentrid pattern the male clears a patch of hard substrate near reef structure to form a nest, so the system should provide exposed firm rock with nearby shelter within a defensible territory. A spacious tank with deeper rockwork suits a species that naturally favours steep slopes and caves.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Damselfish court with ritualised displays of rapid movement, chasing and fin extension near the nest. The female lays a layer of adhesive eggs on the cleared substrate, and the male fertilises them externally. FishBase records distinct pairing during breeding for this species.
Egg & Fry Care
The demersal eggs adhere to the substrate and are guarded and aerated by the male. Across Pomacentridae incubation takes about two to seven days, releasing larvae of roughly 2 to 4 mm into a pelagic stage of about a week to more than a month, feeding on very small live plankton such as cultured copepods.
Common Challenges
The pelagic larval phase is the decisive obstacle: the minute larvae require a continuous supply of dense live plankton beyond what a typical display tank provides. With no documented species-specific rearing protocol, captive spawning of Ambon Chromis usually ends at the planktonic larval stage.