Green Chromis Damselfish (Chromis viridis)
belong to the
family Pomacentridae. This family is comprised of approximately 360
individual
species in 28 genera. It includes all clownfish and damselfish. Chromis
is but
a single genus within this family. The collective name damselfish
describes a
group of fish that spans more than one genus. However, most damselfish
fall
within the genus chromis.
Green
chromis are indigenous to the coral reef systems of
the Indo-Pacific. Although they are a marine species, they often
inhabit the
brackish water from lagoons and inshore reefs. Several closely
related
and remarkably similar looking species can be found in the Caribbean
Sea and
among the Florida Keys.
This
species has slender elongated, oval bodies with an
iridescent sheen. Not all green chromis are actually green. There are
three
color variations; pale green, apple green, and pale blue. Regardless of
color,
they all have a mesmerizing shimmer to them as they swim about under
aquarium
lighting. This fish is commonly sold by the aquarium industry under the
titles
blue green chromis, green apple chromis and green chromis damselfish.
They can
grow to a maximum length of 4.5 inches. In an aquarium they rarely
exceed 2-2.5
inches.
Many
damselfish species take territorialism to the extreme.
The green chromis is not among them. Neither does it become more
aggressive as
it matures. This is one of the mellowest, most peace loving fish of its
entire
family. In the wild they live in schools amidst branchy stony corals
such as
acropora coral at depths of no more than 12-15 feet. This innate
schooling
instinct remains intact in the confines of an aquarium. They do not
quarrel
amongst themselves but rather feel more secure with like numbers in new
surroundings. They will not tend to be as shy or skittish if kept in
groups of
no less than three. And a school of them looks exquisite in a well lit
aquarium.
Green
chromis make excellent additions to a community tank
provided their tank mates are of smaller varieties and equally docile.
They are
very hardy and easy to maintain. Green chromis are excellent choices
for
amateur aquarists. This species works equally well in marine reef tanks
as it
does in fish-only aquariums. A school of three or four can be kept in
as little
as 10 gallons of water. Of course in a multi-species environment you
will
require a larger tank. In their natural environment they will retreat
back into
the protection of the coral branches they inhabit at the first sign of
danger.
They sleep under the shelter of these branches at night. In an aquarium
they
will require plenty of hiding places. They are quite active swimmers
and will
spend most of their time in the upper to mid-levels of an aquarium
during the
day.
These
fish are planktonic omnivores. They are not picky
eaters in captivity. You should not meet with any resistance getting
them to
feed. A good assortment of live rock will make them feel right at home.
In
nature, they often maintain algae farms by ridding rock formations of
undesirable algae species. If they do not readily accept non-living
offerings
brine shrimp should entice them to begin eating. This can be mixed with
larger
and larger proportions of flake or freeze dried food until they become
accustomed to aquarium fare. Their diet should contain protein, plant
and algae
matter. A good brand of fish food formulated for omnivores may very
well be all
that they need. Naturally, a supplement of dried algae sheets and fresh
chopped
sea food will help insure a well balanced diet. Under proper living
conditions
this species may live in excess of 15 years.
Environmental Parameters
|
Temperature
|
pH Level |
Specific Gravity |
| 72-78
°F |
8.1-8.4 |
1.019-1.025 |
