Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Blue Reef Chromis is truly a colorful spectacle from the Caribbean Sea. A very active fish, Blue reef chromis adhere to their name of having brilliant blue coloration with stark black markings. 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. Smaller Blue reef chromis can often be kept with success in community aquariums, but as they mature, more semi-aggressive or territorial behavior can be exhibited toward timid tank mates. After all, Chromis are damselfish from the family Pomacentridae and Blue reef chromis are one of the largest chromis species reaching an adult size of approximately 5″. This behavior can be likely avoided altogether if kept in a large enough aquarium. 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 Blue reef chromis have been quarantined for 28 days with the necessary protocol to address Uronema.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Blue 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 75 gallon aquarium is ideal to house a group of smaller-sized Blue reef chromis; a larger group, or more mature individuals, will require a space upwards of 125+ gallons. 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. Blue reef chromis, with size, can be more semi-aggressive compared to other chromis species (i.e., Blue-Green Chromis, Chromis viridis) and this should be taken into account when choosing tank mates. 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 1-1/2″; Medium: 1-1/2″ to 2–1/2″; Large: 2-1/2″ to 4″; XLarge: 4”+
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
