Paletail Chromis (Chromis xanthura) Care Guide
Chromis xanthura is a peaceful western Pacific damselfish that forms large midwater feeding aggregations over outer reef slopes.
Overview
Chromis xanthura, the paletail chromis, is a western Pacific damselfish of the family Pomacentridae. Adults have black bands along the gill and opercular margins, a yellow-tinged caudal peduncle and fin, and yellowish soft dorsal and anal fins; juveniles show dark blue spinous dorsal and pelvic fins.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Chromis
- Scientific name: Chromis xanthura
Habitat
The species is widespread in the western Pacific from southern Japan to Australia and Tonga, but absent from Hawaii and French Polynesia. It is reef-associated, occupying steep outer reef slopes and shallow coastal reef flats at depths of 0-40 m, feeding several metres above the seafloor.
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 17 cm
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
In the wild it is a zooplankton feeder, taking prey 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 schooling species. It mixes with clownfish, tangs, wrasses and gobies. Aggressive damselfish and predators such as lionfish should be avoided. Given its size, a larger reef aquarium is preferable.
Reef compatibility
The paletail chromis is reef-safe. It feeds on plankton in the open water and does not harm corals or invertebrates, suiting larger reef aquariums with moderate flow.
Breeding
Reproduction involves distinct pairing during breeding, with males guarding the eggs. Captive breeding is considered difficult.