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Green Chromis
Scientific Name
Chromis Viridis
Common Names
Blue-Green Chromis, Blue Green Reef Chromis, Green Chromis
Average Size
Up to 2 inches in captivity, 4 inches in the wild
Nano Reef Size
7 gallon minimum (constant swimmer)
Aggressiveness
Peaceful, Non-Territorial
Current
Any
Hardiness
Good, great fish for beginners
Behavior
The Blue-Green Reef Chromis is by nature a gregarious fish, but in many instances is known to do well solitarily. Chromis are active swimmers and will occupy the middle to upper levels of the water column. They are non-territorial and curious fish that will explore the entire area of the tank and may repeatedly make the mistake of approaching another fish's territory. In this respect, solitary Chromis may be better suited with less aggressively territorial fish. Chromis do not respond well to harassment, as they are less likely to retaliate. Hiding in dark areas of the tank away from other fish is the first indication of harassment, stress or illness.
Chromis may also suffer harassment from other Chromis in the aquarium. In schools, Chromis often adopt a pecking order where the smallest of the group may become tormented to death. Thus the schooling issue is the subject of much debate and concern. It is often recommended that groups of Chromis be kept in schools of no less than 6, as the pecking behavior is more broadly dispensed among the smaller members. However, aquarists have found that pairs and sometimes trios can be grouped successfully without pecking order issues.
Feeding
Meaty, flake, frozen, and even algae based foods are all readily accepted. This fish is bold and greedy at feeding and this should be considered if a Chromis is to be grouped with a shy eater. Rotating food types and feeding color-enhancing or vitamin-enriched flakes or formulas will help maintain the fishs bright colors.
Description
Chromis Viridis is an iridescent aquamarine colored fish with 2 distinct variations among the species. The Green Chromis features a black spot at the base of the pectoral fins. Both the Blue-Green and Green Chromis come in several close color variations that can range from iridescent light green to aqua. Some variations include hints of light blue or lavender depending on the angle and type of lighting used.
In the wild the Chromis Viridis is found in the Indo-West Pacific, Eastern Africa, Red Sea, and the islands of Oceania (excluding Hawaii). The aquarium varieties are most often imported from the Indo-Pacific or Red Sea. They inhabit inshore and lagoon reefs at depths of up to 12 meters, and are mostly associated with branching corals.
Mark Detchemendy 07/23/2003
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