Barrier Reef Chromis

ANIMAL:
Barrier Reef Chromis Chromis nitida

Type of Animal:
Damselfish

Habitat:
Outer sides/edges of coral reefs, lagoons, subtropical estuaries, found at depths of 16-82 ft

Location(s):
SW Pacific off Australia/eastward

Appearance:
Small fish w/ yellowish-brown dorsal surface separated by dark stripe from silvery flanks/underside

Food/Diet:
Algae, zooplankton, brine shrimp, mysid shrimp

Status in Wild:
Stable

Conservation:
Breeding in aquariums, aquaculture, & zoos. Captive breeding reducing demand for wild-caught fish.

Lifestyle:
Schools of 10-60 fish

Additional Info:

Called:
Male
Female
Young: Fry
Group: School
 
Weight:
0.6 oz

Gestation:
2-3 days 

Life Span:
8-15 years

Body Length:
3-3.5 in

Also called Yellowback Puller, Shining Puller, Nitida Chromis, Bicolor Chromis, Doublebar Chromis, Yellow-backed Puller, & Puller.
 
Often found schooling w/ Black-Axil Chromis.
 
Eggs adhesive sticking to seabed.
 
Males guard eggs before they hatch.
 
Often parasitized by parasitic isopod Anilocra pomacentri, which attaches itself just above/behind eye. These parasites cause slowing of growth rate & increased mortality.
 
Active during the day (diurnal).
 
They’re very active fish often on the move.
 
Males often darken during courtship.
 
Breeding pair 1st clears site for nesting, then they engage in mating dance w/ rapid swimming/fin movements.
 
Spawning occurs at dawn.
 
Eggs hatch into independent larvae 2-3 days after being laid.
 
Maturity reached at 1 month old.

Fun Fact(s):
Nitida part of scientific name derives from Latin word meaning shining/polished/glittering most likely referencing silvery sides.
 
Like many chromis, they’re very difficult to breed in captivity.
 
Uncommon in captivity but fairly common in wild. More commonly kept in Australia than anywhere else & fairly easy to keep.