Chromis Atripectoralis (The Black-Axil Chromis)

Overview

• Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found in coral reefs, lagoons, and sheltered coastal waters.
• Identified by its bright blue-green body with a distinctive black marking near the pectoral fins.
• A peaceful schooling fish that thrives in groups and adds movement to reef aquariums.
• Typically observed swimming in the midwater column, darting between coral branches for protection.
• Best suited for aquariums with stable water conditions, live rock formations, and peaceful tankmates.

Feeding

• Omnivorous, feeding on planktonic crustaceans, algae, and zooplankton in the wild.
• Requires a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, and enriched brine shrimp.
• Readily accepts prepared foods and benefits from occasional live food feedings.
• Should be fed multiple small meals per day to sustain energy levels and support growth.
• A balanced diet helps maintain its bright coloration and overall health.

Habitat

• Prefers reef environments with moderate water flow and ample swimming space.
• Frequently found near branching corals, where it seeks shelter from predators.
• Aquarium setups should include live rock formations to encourage natural behaviors.
• Requires high-quality filtration and stable water parameters to prevent stress.
• Providing a well-structured environment with shaded areas promotes a sense of security.

Fish Care

• Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C) for maintaining a healthy metabolism.
• Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.
• Requires excellent water quality with frequent water changes to ensure long-term health.
• Reef-safe and poses no threat to corals or invertebrates.
• Providing live rock structures enhances natural grazing and schooling behaviors.

Compatibility

• Peaceful and best suited for community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
• Compatible with clownfish, wrasses, gobies, and other peaceful reef inhabitants.
• Thrives in groups of five or more, as solitary individuals may become stressed.
• Should not be housed with overly aggressive fish that may intimidate or outcompete them for food.
• Providing open swimming space and coral branches enhances their natural schooling behavior.

Aquarium Behavior

• An active and social species that enjoys swimming in the mid to upper water column.
• Frequently seen darting in and out of coral structures for protection.
• Becomes more confident when kept in groups and displays natural schooling behaviors.
• Providing a well-structured environment encourages its active and inquisitive nature.
• Over time, it may become more accustomed to its caretaker and actively engage during feeding sessions.