Green Chromis

Chromis viridis

The green chromis, Chromis viridis (Cuvier, 1830) is undoubtedly one of the most popular fish in the aquarium industry.  Watching these fish school together, swimming harmoniously with their beautiful blue green color catching the light, they are a perfect example of why most people find aquariums so peaceful to observe.  Green chromis are naturally found in large shoals, or groups, in the wild numbering in the hundreds or thousands.  They will often stay near branching coral which offers them refuge from predators.  In the home aquarium, they can be found swimming about investigating their environment or searching for food and regrouping quickly at any sign of danger.  These fish naturally feed on crustaceans such as copepods or amphipods but will accept a wide variety of prepared foods in captivity.  At the Sustainable Islands project we condition our green chromis to eat our hatchery diet, as well as cyclopeeze, and frozen brine and mysis.  They make a wonderful addition to most tanks as they are peaceful, reef safe, and generally disease resistant.

Physical Description– This fish has an oval body shape with a rounded face.  Their body is uniform in color which is a beautiful blue green.

Temperament– This fish requires large shoals to be comfortable in the home aquarium.  They will do best if kept in groups of 6 or more, if there are any fewer weaker specimens may be the target of aggression. They will get along with most other fish, but should not be kept with extremely predatory fish, especially if they are introduced at a small size.

Size– This fish can reach a surprisingly large size of over 3.5 inches.  Because of this, and their need to be kept in groups, they should be housed in 55 gallons or larger.

Diet– These fish naturally feed on crustaceans such as copepods or amphipods but will accept a wide variety of prepared foods in captivity.  At the Sustainable Islands project we condition our green chromis to eat our Hatchery Diet, as well as cyclopeeze, and frozen brine and mysis.

Distribution– The green chromis has an extensive distribution from the Red Sea, throughout the Indo Pacific to French Polynesia.  Our specimens generally come from Africa, Bali, or Fiji.