Black-Axil Chromis (Chromis atripectoralis) Care Guide
Chromis atripectoralis is a peaceful Indo-Pacific damselfish almost identical to Chromis viridis but distinguished by a black mark at the pectoral fin base.
Overview
Chromis atripectoralis, the black-axil chromis, is an Indo-Pacific damselfish of the family Pomacentridae. It is a sibling species of Chromis viridis, distinguished by a distinctly black pectoral fin axil where C. viridis is dusky with black dots. It also has 18-20 pectoral rays versus 17-19 in C. viridis.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Chromis
- Scientific name: Chromis atripectoralis
Habitat
The species ranges through the Indo-Pacific, across most islands of Oceania (except Hawaii, the Marquesas and the Pitcairn group) and into the Indian Ocean. It occupies clear lagoons, passages and seaward reef slopes at depths of 1-29 m, congregating in large groups above staghorn Acropora corals.
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 12 cm
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
Stomach analysis shows the wild diet is dominated by small crustaceans including copepods, amphipods and zoea. In the aquarium an omnivorous diet of small frozen and prepared marine foods fed two times daily is appropriate.
Compatibility
A peaceful mid-water schooling fish that suits community reef systems with clownfish, tangs, wrasses and gobies. Aggressive damselfish and predators such as lionfish should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
The black-axil chromis is reef-safe. It feeds in the water column above corals and does not harm corals or invertebrates, fitting well into reef aquariums with moderate flow.
Breeding
During the breeding season males pair and provide parental care, guarding and aerating demersal eggs adhered to the substrate. Captive breeding is considered difficult.