Chromis
Chromis are perhaps the ultimate reef fish. Generally peaceful, most species are easy to take care of and quite colorful. Like anthias, they will school, but in many cases this tendency disappears as they age. They are, nevertheless, at least ambivalent with their own species, as well as completely reef safe. Like Damsels and Anemonefish, their close cousins, Chromis are omnivores and will accept most foods offered. A flake staple is usually sufficient, but for best color and health supplement with frozen and live foods when possible.
The Barrier Reef Chromis, sometimes called the Yellow-back Puller or Shining Puller, is found in schools throughout the Western Pacific and the Great Barrier Reef. This fish exhibits a dark stripe that runs diagonally from the eyes to the dorsal fin. Above this stripe, the fish is yellow, and below the stripe, the body is silver.
The Barrier Reef Chromis is a very hardy fish found in a variety of aquariums and is a great candidate for the reef aquarium. A peaceful fish, commonly kept in small schools, it will add a dramatic effect to the aquarium. The Barrier Reef Chromis is a long-lived fish, with a life span from 8-15 years in an aquarium with good water quality.
The diet of the Barrier Reef Chromis should be varied and consist of meaty items, herbivore flakes, and frozen preparations. Using vitamin-enriched foods may help to preserve its bright color.
There is some controversy as to how difficult Chromis cyanea is to keep in the aquarium. It is generally accepted however that it is one of the more difficult of the damselfish to keep, and people new to the hobby should probably choose the similar species Chromis viridis.
This fish should either be kept with no other members of the same species, or in a group of more than five. In small groups they have been often reported to kill off the weakest member of the group until only one fish remains. They are generally peaceful with other tank members and are considered reef safe. A 30 gallon aquarium is considered the smallest tank to reasonably house one, a school will require a significantly larger aquarium.
Chromis chromis is a Chromis from the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to a size of 25cm in length.
The Green Chromis or the Blue Green Chromis, Chromis viridis, is a species of damselfish. Individuals tend to be iridescent apple-green and light blue, and reach a length of about 3 in (8 cm).
In a marine aquarium, schools should be kept in small groups of odd numbers. The Green Chromis is often considered an ideal starter fish for the saltwater aquarium novice and is a peaceful and hardy species. The Green Chromis should not be housed with larger predatory fish, as they may become food themselves. Groupers, lionfish, and eels all present an element of danger for this peaceful species.