Blue Chromis

With its cobalt-blue body, the dark stripe on its back and its forked tail edged with black lines, the blue chromis is one of the brightest fish of Caribbean reefs. In the wild it forms loose schools above reef slopes, picking plankton in open water. It is a peaceful species; it grows slightly larger than the green chromis and needs a large, open swimming area.

• At least 200 liters and 100 cm in length for a group of 5–7.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Reef-safe; it leaves corals and invertebrates alone.
• A large open swimming area and rock caves they can retreat into at night.
• Keep new individuals in quarantine against velvet and white spot.

An omnivorous species that feeds on plankton. Offer small granules, frozen mysis, brine shrimp and copepods; small meals 2–3 times a day are best.

Peaceful towards other species. It establishes a hierarchy within the group; when kept in small numbers, the dominant individual may chase the others. An odd-numbered group, all added at the same time, is recommended.

Good companions: Clownfish, royal gramma, gobies, blennies, tangs, cleaner shrimp.

Avoid: Aggressive damsels, dottybacks, lionfish and large predators.