Blue Reef Chromis (Chromis cyaneus) Care Guide
Chromis cyaneus is a bright blue planktivorous damselfish of the western Atlantic and Caribbean, now reclassified by FishBase as Azurina cyanea.
Overview
Chromis cyaneus, the blue chromis, is a vivid blue damselfish of the family Pomacentridae from the western Atlantic. FishBase and Wikipedia now place it in the genus Azurina (Azurina cyanea), the Caribbean counterpart of the Indo-Pacific green chromis.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Chromis
- Scientific name: Chromis cyaneus
- Current placement: Azurina cyanea (FishBase)
Habitat
The species occurs in the western Atlantic around Bermuda, southern Florida, the Bahamas, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It is reef-associated, commonly found at 3-5 m but recorded down to 60 m, swimming in the water column above outer reefs and retreating into coral crevices when frightened.
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 15 cm
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
In the wild it feeds on small zooplankton, primarily copepods, taken from the water column above the reef. In the aquarium an omnivorous diet of small frozen and prepared marine foods fed two times daily is suitable.
Compatibility
A peaceful mid-water species that often associates with creole wrasse in the wild. It mixes with clownfish, tangs, wrasses and gobies. Aggressive damselfish and predators such as lionfish should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
The blue chromis is reef-safe and does not damage corals or invertebrates. It uses coral crevices for shelter, fitting reef aquariums with moderate flow.
Breeding
Reproduction involves distinct pairing. Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate, and males guard and aerate them. Captive breeding is considered difficult.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is considered abundant within its range despite pressure from the aquarium trade, lionfish expansion and coral loss.