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Reef Fish Guide designation and why
Take it home
Chromis damselfishes are sustainable aquarium choices because they are plentiful in the wild and are currently not overcollected. They are a hardy choice that will last for years as long as adequate food and habitat are maintained.
Distribution
Chromis species are extremely numerous most anywhere a coral reef occurs. They are found worldwide in tropical or subtropical seas. From Hawaii to the Red Sea, the Philippines to the Florida Keys, if there is a warm water reef, chances are very good that Chromis can be found nearby.
Maximum Size
Chromis damselfishes range from 2 - 6.3 inches (5 - 16 cm)
Care Requirements
Minimum tanks size is 30 gallons for most of these fish, but they enjoy being kept with their own kind so larger tanks are great. They are a bright and active fish that provide interesting displays when kept in groups of about six. In fact, these damsels will do best in an aquarium where they are the dominant member(s) with a few other less aggressive species in the same tank.
Food: These fish eat a variety of foods but it is important to offer enriched foods to prevent color loss from some of the more brilliant species. They should be fed 3 times a day and they like meaty items such as mysid shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, as well as herbivore flakes/pellets and frozen preparations.
Compatibility: Since, Chromis damselfishes are only mildly aggressive and non-predatory, they have excellent compatibility in reef tanks. A dominant individual may occasionally pick on subordinate members, but this is not usually a problem if the group is large enough. They tend to flourish when larger fish are not present in the tank. The presence of the larger fish will not necessarily spell doom for the Chromis, but it will make them work harder to obtain enough food, and will likely discourage natural schooling causing them to remain closer to the rockwork.
Please note: It is common for hobbyists to buy Damselfishes as their first fish to place into a newly setup aquarium as it goes through the water cycle. Often times this isn't the best idea, as the territorial personality of damselfishes makes it nearly impossible to add more fish in the future. It is best to cycle the aquarium using common techniques that help build up the appropriate bacteria necessary to support marinelife and then introducing several species at once until the capacity of the aquarium is reached. Contact your local fish store for more information on cycling your new aquarium and/or research this with the books suggested on this website.
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