Blue-Green Chromis (Chromis caerulea) Care Guide
Chromis caerulea is a small peaceful planktivorous damselfish of the family Pomacentridae, closely related to and sometimes considered conspecific with Chromis viridis.
Overview
Chromis caerulea is a small marine damselfish in the family Pomacentridae, native to the Indo-Pacific. It is closely related to the green chromis Chromis viridis; according to Wikipedia, the name blue-green chromis may refer to either species, and the two are sometimes treated as conspecific. The fish forms peaceful schools in the water column above branching corals.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Chromis
- Scientific name: Chromis caerulea
Habitat
The species is distributed across the Indo-Pacific. Like its close relative C. viridis, it is reef-associated and gathers in large aggregations above thickets of branching Acropora corals in sheltered areas such as subtidal reef flats and lagoons. It is a diurnal, non-migratory species.
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
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
In the wild, the closely related green chromis feeds primarily on phytoplankton and small zooplankton such as copepods. In the aquarium an omnivorous diet of small frozen and prepared marine foods offered two times daily suits this planktivore.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, mid-water schooling species. It mixes well with clownfish, tangs, wrasses and gobies. Aggressive damselfish and predators such as lionfish should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
The blue-green chromis is reef-safe. It does not nip corals or sessile invertebrates and naturally lives among branching corals on the reef, making it well suited to reef aquariums with moderate flow.
Breeding
Chromis are egg-layers. Males prepare nests and guard the demersal eggs, fanning them with the tail. Captive breeding is considered difficult.