Chromis viridis

Chromis viridis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Pomacentridae
Genus:	Chromis
Species:	C. viridis
Binomial name
Chromis viridis Cuvier, 1830

The 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).

It is sometimes called "Blue-green Chromis", but that may also refer to Chromis caerulea, C. caerulea or Blue Puller, a close relative that is sometimes considered conspecific.

Habitat

The species is found in the Indo-Pacific. They live in large aggregations above Acropora corals in sheltered areas such as lagoons and reef flats and feed on phytoplankton. Juveniles live closely tied to individual coral heads.

Reproduction

C. viridis spawn over sand and rubble. The male prepares the nest which is shared with several females. The large number of eggs will hatch in 2-3 days. The male guards the nest, ventilating it with its fins and feeding on those eggs that do not hatch.

In aquaria

C. viridis over Acropora coral head

In a marine aquarium, schools should be kept in small groups of odd numbers. The Green Chromis is excellent for the saltwater aquarium novice because it is a peaceful, hardy fish, and it is relatively inexpensive. A small school will be more comfortable in a 30 gallon tank but a single specimen can be kept in a 10 gallon tank. Some aquarists have successfully bred the Blue Green Reef Chromis in the home aquarium.

Tankmates

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.

References

• Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2007). "Chromis atripectoralis" in FishBase. Mar 2007 version.
• "Blue Green Chromis". ReefCorner.com.