Page 244 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

242 MARINE FISH DIRECTORY

Chromis cyanea
Blue Chromis

ORIGINS Caribbean region, ranging from Florida down
to the coast of northern South America.
SIZE 2 in (5 cm).
DIET Eats all types of marine fish food.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Has a territorial disposition.
A long, highly forked caudal fin gives the Blue
Chromis a very elegant appearance and also sets
it apart from other damselfish. The body, too,
is narrower, emphasizing the streamlined
shape. The top of the body is blackish, with
dark coloration also evident on some of the fins,
while on the flanks there are black markings on
the individual blue scales, creating a speckled
appearance. Blue Chromis can be sexed visually,
although this is not easy. Just prior to spawning,
females have an orange egg-laying tube, or
ovipositor, that protrudes out of the vent. When a
pair of these damselfish are ready to spawn, they
prepare a site, usually on rocks, where the female
lays up to 50 eggs, which the male then fertilizes.
The eggs are guarded by the male until the fry
hatch about two days later. The young, free-
swimming Blue Chromis should be fed on
rotifers as a first food.

Chromis viridis Pomacentrus alleni Pomacentrus coelestis
Green Chromis Allen’s Damselfish Neon Damselfish

ORIGINS Occurs in the Pacific Ocean, east of the ORIGINS Ranges from the Red Sea through the Pacific; ORIGINS Widely distributed off the eastern coast of Asia
Philippines, New Guinea, and eastern Australia. common around the Similian Islands adjoining Thailand. and Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef.
SIZE 2 ⁄2 in (6.5 cm). SIZE 4 in (10 cm). SIZE 5 in (12.5 cm).
1
DIET Will take a varied diet, including flake. DIET Eats both fresh and dried marine fish foods. DIET Fresh, thawed, and freeze-dried foods; also flake.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Relatively social. TEMPERAMENT Cannot be kept in groups. TEMPERAMENT Individuals are territorial.
Chromis species, such as the Green Chromis, The behavior of these damselfish changes as
generally rank among the most placid of they mature. The young associate in groups but
all damselfish and are unlikely to be become more aggressive and territorial with
disruptive in a reef aquarium. Even maturity. Weaker individuals may have to be
so, they should not be mixed with removed. To reduce the risk of disputes, design the
other similar species, since they may be harried aquarium with plenty of retreats, and use rocks to
by more belligerent companions. At night, they help divide the tank into different territories. Neon
retreat out of sight into a favorite nook or cranny, Damselfish are not likely to be aggressive toward
emerging again the following morning. Well-defined unrelated fish sharing their tank.
scales
Named after a famous ichthyologist, Dr. Gerald
Allen, this damselfish can be identified by its fin
markings. The lower part of the caudal fin bears a
distinctive black area, with yellow extending from
the anal fin along the ventral side of the body. The
dorsal fin is dark, becoming whitish at the rear.
Allen’s Damselfish has care needs similar to other
damsel species, and, like many damselfish, it will be
aggressive toward its own kind in the aquarium. Yellow coloring
present on the flanks

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