Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Black & White Chromis, also known as the Bicolor Chromis, have a very wide distribution across the Indo-Pacific, including Australia, Christmas Islands, and the Indian Ocean. A very active fish, Black & white chromis adhere to their name of having a predominately gray-black body with the end most of their dorsal fin and caudal fin being entirely white. Not to be mistaken for the Half & Half Chromis (Chromis iomelas) where the dark and white colors on the body are more equally split in half as their name implies. Chromis do best when kept in groups (6+ individuals) because this not only replicates their necessity to shoal, but they will establish a pecking order rather than projecting this on other fish in the aquarium. While Black & white chromis are one of the more peaceful damselfish species from the family Pomacentridae, one must keep their ancestry in mind. This behavior can be likely avoided altogether if kept in a large enough aquarium. An adult Black & white chromis can reach a size of approximately 3″. 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 Black & white chromis have been quarantined for 28 days with the necessary protocol to address Uronema.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Black & white 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 55 gallon aquarium is ideal to house a group of Black & white chromis. Upgrade accordingly to accomodate a larger 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: Less than 3/4″; Medium: 3/4″ to 1-1/4″; Large: 1-1/4″ to 2″

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