Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Barrier Reef Chromis, also known as the Nitida or Yellow back Puller Chromis, is endemic to the Coral Sea off of the northeast coast of Australia. With this limited range and the well-enforced fishery practices of this region, the Barrier reef chromis is infrequently available and demands a higher price tag compared to many of the other Chromis species. Despite this, the Barrier reef chromis is a beautiful and relatively hardy fish, with an overall pearly white body and a bold black and yellow stripe that run diagonally from the eye across the dorsal fin. Chromis do best when kept in groups (6+ individuals) because this best replicates their shoaling behavior that they would exhibit in the wild. An adult Barrier reef chromis can reach a size of approximately 4″. Note: Chromis are susceptible to the ciliate parasite, Uronema marinum, which appear as red sores. It is extremely important to quarantine chromis and other damselfish before putting them into your main display tank to avoid introducing Uronema, as it can free-live in the aquarium. All of our Barrier reef chromis have been quarantined for 28 days with the necessary protocol to address Uronema.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Barrier reef chromis are primarily omnivorous, feeding on suspended food in the water column. A diet largely consisting of high quality frozen preparations is necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, and immune function. Such foods can include, but are not limited to, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, calanus, cyclopeeze and rotifers. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements given the activity level of chromis. High quality flake and micro-pellet foods may also be accepted.

Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal to house a single Barrier reef chromis; upgrade accordingly to accomodate a group or more mature individuals. Chromis enjoy a variety of rock work to swim through and to take refuge under if felt threatened in rare circumstances, but plenty of unobstructed swimming space should also be provided. Because chromis are constantly out in the open swimming, they’re an excellent “dither fish” to bring out more shy species. This chromis will feel right at home in either a large fish only with live rock aquarium or reef aquarium, as they will not disturb invertebrates or corals. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 3/4″ to 1-1/4″; Medium: 1-1/4″ to 2″; Large: 2″ to 3″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.