How to Identify Blue Chromis Fish

Blue Chromis is actually used to describe a few species. Some have been found in the tropical west Atlantic one off the coast of Bimini and another off of Cancun. This is a beautiful species of damselfish (genus Chromis Cyanea) and the actual Blue Chromis was first observed in 1997 by Richard Pyle during a dive to 120 meters (400 feet) in Palau. It was spotted by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in Indonesia, too. It’s a very elusive fish, but was finally captured in April of 2007 at depths of 107 to 116 meters (350-380 feet) by researchers using sophisticated closed-circuit re-breather dive gear, during filmed as part of a documentary for the BBC.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Very little is known about the ecology or behavior of this species, due to its relatively deep-dwelling habits, but it likely feeds on plankton. This species holds a special place in taxonomic history as being the very first species to be registered in ZooBank. This peaceful fish is gorgeous light blue dorsal side that slowly fades into a majestic pale green belly. They are a brilliant blue color with a black outline along the bottom of the dorsal fin and around the caudal fin.

2. It is a perch-like, ray-finned fish.

3. 

   It is difficult to distinguish between the male and female fish. They live five years or even longer.

4. They are a very active fish. You will find them in small schools of six and maybe a few more. They may be found above reefs. They like to be in small schools (shoals) of 6 or more and can take care of themselves with larger, more aggressive fish. However, in an aquarium, larger tank mates such as Triggers may make a snack out of them. They are extremely active and will make an interesting addition to the top of the tank. This fish is considered reef tank safe.

Tips & Warnings

• The Blue Chromis has been spotted in Palau, Indonesia, Bimini, Cancun, Bermuda, southern Florida (USA), Caribbean Sea, the Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico and Antilles.
• There is a more common Blue/Green Reef Chromis, an omnivore found in Coral Sea, Fiji, Indo-Pacific, Tahiti at water temperatures of 72 to 78-degrees.
• Blue Chromis eat zooplankton in the wild and will accept most types of marine fish food including frozen, freeze dried, vitamin enriched flakes and live foods. Give them a variety of foods for optimal coloration.
• They seem to be fairly disease resistant but you still need to take proper pre-cautions and use a quarantine tank before introducing them into your main tank.
• Blue Chromis should do well in most tank setups, but you don't want to keep them with overly aggressive tank mates or fish large enough to eat them. Keep them in a small school and they should do fine. A pecking order is normal.

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