DamselFish - Chromis
Damsel Fish Species Guides
Colorful and sprightly, Damselfish are quite hardy and adapt easily to the aquarium!
Many Damsels are brilliantly colored fish. Most tend to stay small, under 3.9 inches (19 cm), making them suitable for smaller aquariums. They are not fussy about eating and some get along fine with other fish and invertebrates. They are also very durable and relatively inexpensive.
These great characteristics make Damsels very popular aquarium fish. They are a common choice for beginners and are often used to "break-in" new aquariums to establish the nitrification cycle. It takes about one fish for every 10 gallons of water to do this.
From the outset, however, it's important to understand that this is a very large group of fish that belong to the Pomacentridae family, and some of these wonderful qualities are not always the case with each species. Many damselfish may display spectacular colors, making them highly desirable additions to the tank. Yet not all of them exhibit attractive colors throughout their lives. Some that are quite attractive as juveniles become very unspectacular, even drab, as adults. Though quite a few tend to stay around two to three inches, there are some that can get quite large, like the Garibaldi that is said to reach up to 15 inches (38 cm) in length.
Despite their overall popularity, different species also have distinctive behaviors and social traits. Some have bad reputations, and deservedly so, as little terrors that are dominating the tank! Though some species make good additions to most aquariums, there are many of these fish can be absolutely nasty towards their tankmates.
Many of the Damselfish species belong to the subfamily Pomacentrinae and these fish can be quite aggressive. They are known to be territorial and aggressive, even towards other damsels. They are best keep as a single fish unless the tank has many hiding places or is larger than 50 gallons. Their companion tankmates also need to have a more aggressive nature.
Yet other species that belong to the subfamily Chrominae, in the genus Chromis, tend to be more docile. Chromis fit the "first fish" niche very nicely. They are about as hardy as their cousins, but being a fairly non-aggressive damsel, they can be kept in a group and with more peaceful tankmates. The popular Clownfish, or Anemonefish, also belong to the Pomacentridae family and are members of the subfamily Amphiprioninae.
The list of saltwater Damselfish below includes many aquarium species. These fish guides will provide you with the tools to better understand each species available to help you choose intelligently for your particular aquarium. Each guide has in-depth information with their places of origin, habitats, and behaviors. They also include the fish care needed for successfully keeping them in saltwater aquariums. Pictures are also provided with each guide to help with fish identification.
Damselfish Facts :
Almost all of the Damsels are marine fish, though a few species inhabit the lower stretches of rivers in brackish lagoons and fresh water mangrove swamps. They are found primarily in tropical and temperate waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, but some species are found in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea as well.
While damsels are most abundant in shallow reef environments between 6 1/2 to 49 feet (2-15 m) deep, they can be found in a wide variety of habitats. They are found in sandy sheltered lagoons and tidal creeks to steep reef slopes and drop-offs. A few even live in deep-water habitats at depths below 328 feet (100 m). While many live in rocky areas, others will school in the water column, and still others live in sea-grass beds.
Damselfishes have been thought to be very closely related to freshwater Cichlids. In fact they are similar in their general appearance and behavior. Like Cichlids, they have a one nostril on each side of the head and a small mouth at the end of the head. They have a laterally compressed body with relatively large scales that extend onto the fins and a long, continuous dorsal fin.
Their coloration can be quite variable. Some are brilliantly colored while others are very drab. The juveniles of some genera are much more colorful than the adults, while in others there is very little difference between young and old.
Most Damsels are relatively small, less than 3.9 inches (19 cm), but there are some that can get quite large. The smallest species is probably the Lined Chromis Chromis lineate from the Indo-Pacific, at around 2,75 (7 cm) long. The largest, found in the subtropical part of the Eastern Pacific Ocean, is thought to be the Garibaldi damselfish Hypsypops rubicundus, reaching up to 15 inches (38 cm). Their lifespan is an estimated 6 to 8 years in the wild, though some species may live 10 to 12 years in their natural habitats. In captivity they may live 18 to 20 years.
Damselfish Species :
These fish are members of the Pomacentridae family of Damselfish and Anemonefish. which contain around 360 species in about 29 genera. The family is divided into four subfamilies: Amphiprioninae, Chrominae, Lepidozyginae, and Pomacentrinae. The Anemonefish, are members of the subfamily Amphiprioninae currently with 30 described species.
The fish in the Pomacentridae family, with the exception of the Clownfish, are referred to as Damselfish or Damsels. The majority of Damselfish species belong to the subfamily Pomacentrinae with over 200 recognized species, followed by the subfamily Chrominae with over 100. The Subfamily Lepidozyginae currently contains only a single recognized species, the Fusilier Damselfish Lepidozygus anthioides.
Damselfish Diet :
Damselfish are omnivores, yet for many the diet is largely herbivorous. In the wild many species will tend “gardens” of filamentous algae and may also eat tiny invertebrates. Some species also feed on heavily on zooplankton from the water column.
They are not fussy eaters in the aquarium and they will normally accept all sorts of different foods. An important part of their diet is algae, though the amount of plant matter varies from one species to another.
Good staple foods include a nutrient-rich vegetable flake, frozen foods for herbivores, frozen foods such as mysid shrimp and blood worms, and chopped frozen or fresh sea foods such as fish, clam, and squid meat. Most of them will nibble at some of the unwanted algae that grow on rocks and decor too. A varied and well balanced diet will keep them happy and healthy in the aquarium.
Damselfish Behavior :
Damsels are very popular aquarium fish. Many have bright colors and are small in size, usually reaching only 2 to 3 inches. They are also extremely hardy. A single fish can be kept in a moderate sized aquarium, 10 or 20 gallons and thrive. These qualities make them a common choice for beginners and newly set up aquariums.
Many damselfish, however, are very aggressive towards other fish if kept in a space that is too. In the wild, many species will stake out and aggressively defend territories on shelter patches of reef where they can hide, feed, and spawn. T hose that belong to the subfamily Pomacentrinae can be aggressive in the aquarium, especially if there is not adequate space with plenty of hiding places.
Unfortunately the more aggressive species can attack other damsels, especially if you keep older specimens, as well as other fish. Ideally only one damsel should be kept unless the tank is large or has plenty of rocks and decor for hiding. Even mixing species is not suggested in smaller tanks. Other tankmates need to have a more aggressive nature, as passive fish will be harassed.
There are a exceptions, however, that are much more docile damselfish. these damsels will get along well with other individuals of the same species, as well as with other species of fish. Those species that belong to the subfamily Chrominae in the Chromis genera are much less aggressive. These Damsels are just about as hardy as their close relatives, but are more of a schooling fish. They need to be kept in groups of at least five individuals to be happy, and will swim in a school in larger tanks, mostly in the upper portions of the tank. They can also be kept with more passive tankmates.
Almost all damsels will leave invertebrates and other non-fish life alone. However there are some species that will snack on tiny worms and crustaceans. So be careful adding damsels to a tank where these little housekeepers are beneficial to the tank.
Chromis Types :
Chromis are related to damselfish and clownfish, but are typically less aggressive. They enjoy being in a school of three or more, and make a spectacular display in large numbers. Chromis are ideal fish for the reef aquarium, since they will not bother invertebrates and corals.
1-Blue/Green Reef Chromis
Chromis viridis
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3½"
Color Form: Blue
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Africa, Indonesia, Pen Raised
Family: Pomacentridae
The Blue Green Reef Chromis is easy to care for, beautiful, and peaceful. In fact, Chromis viridis is one of the preferred marine reef fish amongst aquarists, regardless of their experience level. This member of the Pomacentridae family is most recognizable by its gorgeous light blue dorsal side that slowly fades into a majestic pale green belly. The Blue Green Reef Chromis is desirable not only for its beauty, but also for its peaceful demeanor (despite its designation as a true damselfish) and ability to be kept with almost all other community fish, invertebrates, and corals.
Native to reefs ranging from mid-depth to shallow lagoons of the Indo-Pacific and South Pacific, wild specimens prefer to school in large shoals amongst branching corals like Acropora. In the home aquarium, the Blue Green Reef Chromis does best in similar environments and will actively swim at all levels of the aquarium water column. In fact, small schools of the Blue Green Reef Chromis add a dazzling and dramatic shimmer of beauty to almost any well-established reef system.
Overall, the Blue Green Reef Chromis is very hardy and can live between 8 to 15 years in aquariums with excellent water quality. For best care, feed several times throughout the day with a varied diet of meaty foods, herbivore flakes, and frozen preparations. Vitamin-enriched foods may also help to preserve body colorations.
Some aquarists have successfully bred the Blue Green Reef Chromis in the home aquarium. Interestingly, the body color of mature males, ready to nest, changes to a muted yellow color. However, breeding success requires perfect water parameters in only the largest of non-predatory aquarium systems.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1/2" to 1" Medium: 1" to 2"; Large 2" to 3"
2-Lemon Chromis
Amblyglyphidodon ternatensis
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Silver, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Pomacentridae
The Lemon Chromis, is also known as the Ternate Damsel and is presently uncommon to the aquarium industry, making an interesting and attractive addition to the fish-only marine or reef aquarium. This striking fish closely resembles the Yellow Damselfish (Amblyglyphidodon aureus) but sports a stately metallic silver coloration that beautifully offsets the bright yellow coloration. This eye-catching color combo adds flashes of dramatic color for a lively addition that complements your aquarium.
The hardy and easy-to-care-for Lemon Chromis is a great choice for new and experienced aquarists. This Indo-Pacific native is found among coral-rich areas of sheltered coastal reefs. The Lemon Chromis will generally ignore other fish, invertebrates or corals. However, as the fish matures, it may demonstrate territorial behavior towards its own kind or similar-sized fish. A 30-gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock with multiple hiding places helps break up territories and decrease potential aggression. Spawning Lemon Chromis are known to lay egg masses on coral skeletons or dead portions of Acropora corals. An industrious pair may clear off portions from live corals if an alternate spawning material is not provided.
The diet of the Lemon Chromis should be varied and consist of meaty items, herbivore flakes, and frozen preparations. Vitamin-enriched foods may also help to preserve body coloration.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-1/4"; Medium: 1-1/4" to 2"
3- Blue Reef Chromis
Chromis cyaneus
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Blue
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Pomacentridae
The Blue Chromis is a very peaceful and active fish from the Caribbean. These fish reside in the upper part of the aquarium and will help bring out more shy species that normally hide. A shoaling fish, Blue Chromis should be maintained together in a group, and make a bright addition to the reef or fish only aquarium that is 30 gallons or larger. The Blue Chromis feeds on a variety of meaty items, herbivore preparations, and flaked food.
The diet should be varied and consist of meaty items, herbivore flakes, and frozen preparations. Using vitamin-enriched foods may help to preserve the bright color.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1/2" to 1-1/4", Medium 1 1/4" to 2 1/4", Large 2 1/4" to 3 1/4"
4- Black Axil Chromis
Chromis atripectoralis
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 4½"
Color Form: Black, Blue, Green
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji
Family: Pomacentridae
The Black Axil Chromis is easy to care for, beautiful, and peaceful. This member of the Pomacentridae family is most recognizable by its gorgeous light aqua dorsal side that slowly fades into a majestic iridescent green belly. Lacking the black blotch at the base of the pectoral fin the juvenile Black Axil chromis are often confused with theChromis viridis. Once the Black Axil Chromis begins to mature the black blotch will appear. The Black Axil Chromis is desirable not only for its beauty, but also for its peaceful demeanor (despite its designation as a true damselfish) and ability to be kept with almost all other community fish, invertebrates, and corals.
Native to reefs ranging from mid-depth to shallow lagoons of the Indo-Pacific and South Pacific, wild specimens prefer to school in large shoals amongst branching corals like Acropora. In the home aquarium, the Black Axil Chromis does best in similar environments and will actively swim at all levels of the aquarium water column. In fact, small schools of the Black Axil Chromis add a dazzling and dramatic shimmer of beauty to almost any larger, well-established reef system.
Overall, the Black Axil Chromis is very hardy and can live between 8 to 15 years in aquariums with excellent water quality. For best care, feed several times throughout the day with a varied diet of meaty foods, herbivore flakes, andfrozen preparations. Vitamin-enriched foods may also help to preserve body colorations.
Some aquarists have successfully bred the Black Axil Chromis in the home aquarium. Interestingly, the body color of mature males, ready to nest, changes to a muted yellow color. However, breeding success requires perfect water parameters in only the largest of non-predatory aquarium systems.
Approximate Purchase Size: Medium: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"; Large: 2-1/2" to 3-1/2"
5- Black & White Chromis
Chromis margaritifer
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Black
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji
Family: Pomacentridae
The Black & White Chromis range from the Christmas Island and northwestern Australia to the French Polynesian and Line Islands. These fishes are primarily black with the caudal peduncle and caudal fin being white. These fish are one of the more peaceful of all the damselfish species, and make a hardy addition to both reef and fish only aquariums.
This species does well alone in small aquariums of at least 30 gallons or more. When trying to maintain a group of these fishes it is ideal to ensure they have adequate space in an aquarium at least four feet in length.
The Black & White Chromis feeds on a varied diet of meaty foods such as enriched frozen brine and small mysis shrimp, herbivore preparations, and marine flaked foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-1/4" Medium: 1-1/4" to 2" Large: 2" to 3"
6-Agile Chromis
Chromis agilis
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Tan, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji
Family: Pomacentridae
The Agile Chromis electrifies marine aquariums with an unexpected flash of color. This handsome chromis shares all the attractive personality and easy care of the extremely popular Blue/Green Reef Chromis but with a bold color combination. The majestic, golden yellow body color of the Agile Chromis is the perfect backdrop highlighting the exhilarating violet pink flashes around the mouth. A school of Agile Chromis will immediately transform any large fish only, or reef aquarium into a note-worthy setup.
The hardy Agile Chromis boasts ease of care and a peaceful demeanor making it an excellent choice for new and experienced aquarists. This native of the Indo-Pacific reefs prefers setups with open areas for swimming but with multiple hiding places. The Agile Chromis will generally ignore other fish, invertebrates or corals, some may demonstrate territorial behavior towards its own kind or similar-sized fish. The Agile Chromis is best kept in small groups of 3 or more comprised of odd numbered fish. House in suitably-sized systems with peaceful tank mates.
The diet of the Agile Chromis should be varied and consist of meaty items, herbivore flakes, and frozen preparations.Vitamin-enriched foods may also help to preserve body coloration.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1/2" to 1"; Medium 1" to 2"; Large 2" to 3"
7-Sunshine Chromis, Purple & Yellow
Chromis insolata
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 6½"
Color Form: Purple, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Tropical Western Pacific
Family: Pomacentridae
The Sunshine Chromis, also known as the Sunshine Fish, Purple & Yellow Chromis or Olive Chromis. They are found in schools throughout the tropical Western Atlantic Ocean and are a relatively peaceful Damselfish species. The Sunshine Chromis makes a beautiful addition to any aquarists' display. They are yellow across the back, with lavender along the middle portions of the body, with a white pearly appearance along the stomach.
The Sunshine Chromis is a very hardy fish, and found in a variety of aquariums. It is commonly kept long term in small schools, if provided ample swimming space and room to roam. It is a relatively passive fish that adds a dramatic effect to the reef or fish only aquarium.
Like other Chromis species, these fish are omnivores, and thier diet should be varied and consist of meaty items, herbivore flakes, and high quality frozen preparations. Using vitamin-enriched foods will help to preserve the its color.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1/2" to 1" Medium: 1" to 2"
8-Black Bar Chromis
Chromis retrofasciata
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Black, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Pomacentridae
The Black Bar Chromis originates from the reefs of the Western Pacific, and is usually found within branching coral heads. They are tan to yellow in coloration with a distinctive vertical black bar where the body meets the tail.
Provide a 30 gallon or larger aquarium, with plenty of live rock for these chromis to hide in. They prefer to be in groups of six or more. They are typically a peaceful species, unless they are housed alone.
The Black Bar Chromis is an omnivore and should be offered both meaty and vegetable based foods. Feed frozen mysis and vitamin enriched brine shrimp as well as a quality flake food.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3/4" to 1-1/2"
9-Webers Chromis
Chromis weberi
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 6"
Color Form: Black, Blue, Green, Purple
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji
Family: Pomacentridae
The Webers Chromis is found in schools throughout the reefs of the South Pacific. This chromis is blue with iridescent green sides accenting a sleek body and black-lined lyre tails. Webers Chromis are hardy fish that are ideal for a fish only, or reef aquarium. They do enjoy being kept in schools of 3 or more.
A very hardy fish found in a variety of aquariums, Webers Chromis are commonly kept long term, in small schools, and used by beginners to learn the hobby. It may also be included in larger schools in show tanks. It is a peaceful fish, and adds a dramatic effect to the tank. The Webers Chromis will live from 8-15 years in an aquarium in water of good quality.
The diet should be varied and consist of meaty items,herbivore flakes, and frozen preparations. Using vitamin-enriched foods may also help to preserve body coloration.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1/2" to 1"; Medium: 1" to 2"; Large: 2" to 3"
