Brown Chromis (Chromis multilineata) Care Guide
Chromis multilineata is an Atlantic planktivorous damselfish, now placed in Azurina, that forms feeding schools over reef tops alongside the blue chromis.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Chromis multilineata, the brown chromis, is an Atlantic damselfish of the family Pomacentridae described in 1853. FishBase now places it in the genus Azurina (Azurina multilineata). It forms moderate feeding schools over reef tops and is often found together with the blue chromis.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Chromis
- Scientific name: Chromis multilineata
- Current placement: Azurina multilineata (FishBase)
Habitat
The species occurs in the western Atlantic from Florida and Texas throughout the Caribbean to Brazil, with eastern Atlantic populations at St Helena, Ascension and Sao Tome. It is reef-associated, found on steep slopes and patch reefs at depths of 0-60 m.
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: commonly about 12 cm, up to 20 cm
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
In the wild it feeds on plankton, primarily copepods, forming feeding schools that rise above the bottom over reef tops. In the aquarium an omnivorous diet of small frozen and prepared marine foods fed two times daily is suitable.
Compatibility
A peaceful, diurnal schooling species often found alongside Chromis cyanea in the wild. It mixes with clownfish, tangs, wrasses and gobies. Aggressive damselfish and predators such as lionfish should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
The brown chromis is reef-safe. It feeds on plankton in the water column and does not harm corals or invertebrates, suiting reef aquariums with moderate flow.
Breeding
Reproduction involves distinct pairing, with males guarding and aerating the eggs. Captive breeding is considered difficult.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (2015 assessment).
Brown Chromis Breeding Guide
Overview
Chromis multilineata (listed by FishBase as Azurina multilineata) ranges through the Western Atlantic from Florida and Texas across the Caribbean to Brazil, with eastern Atlantic populations at St Helena, Ascension and Sao Tome, and grows to about 20 cm. It forms diurnal feeding schools over reef tops, rising to feed mainly on copepods. FishBase records it as oviparous with distinct pairing, demersal eggs adhering to the substrate, and males that guard and aerate the eggs. IUCN status is Least Concern.
Sexing
External sexual differences are slight outside spawning, so the sexes are told apart chiefly by role during reproduction. The male occupies and maintains the nest territory, and the female is the fish that approaches to lay; pairs form within the larger feeding school. Starting from a group rather than forcing a pair improves the odds of a natural, compatible pairing.
Conditioning
A well-fed school in stable reef water reaches condition when offered frequent small meals of planktonic and meaty foods. As its natural feeding is concentrated on copepods taken above the reef, several daily feedings of fine zooplankton-type foods most closely match the diet documented on FishBase and support egg development.
Breeding Setup
Following the pomacentrid pattern the male clears algae and invertebrates from a patch of hard substrate to form a nest, so the system should offer exposed flat rock within a defensible area. Brown Chromis can be kept in larger groups, and a spacious tank lets the school maintain structure while a male holds and prepares its nest site.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Courtship in damselfishes is ritualised, with darting motions, chasing and fin spreading by the male near the nest. The female lays a layer of sticky eggs onto the cleared substrate while the male follows and fertilises them externally. FishBase records distinct pairing during breeding for this species.
Egg & Fry Care
The demersal eggs stick to the substrate and are guarded and aerated by the male. In Pomacentridae generally, incubation takes about two to seven days, after which larvae of roughly 2 to 4 mm hatch into a pelagic phase that may last from about a week to more than a month. The first-feeding larvae need very small live plankton such as cultured copepods.
Common Challenges
As with other chromis, the bottleneck is rearing the minute pelagic larvae, which require dense cultures of appropriately sized live plankton beyond what a typical display tank provides. Species-specific larval rearing has not been documented, so home efforts usually succeed only up to the point of hatching.