Species Description…

Scientific Name: Chromis viridis

Common Name: Green Chromis

Species Group: Damselfish

Habitat: Reef Safe

Care Level: Beginner

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet Type: Omnivore

Role in Aquarium: Schooling Fish

Max Fish Length: 4 (inches)

Min Aquarium Size: 30 (gallons)

Native Range: Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef, and Southeast Asia

Chromis Viridis - The Green Chromis

Chromis Viridis (The Green Chromis)

Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reef lagoons and sheltered coastal waters.
Recognized by its shimmering green-blue body, which reflects light beautifully.
A peaceful schooling fish that thrives in large groups, making it a popular choice for reef aquariums.
Typically observed swimming in the midwater column, darting among coral branches for protection.
Best suited for well-maintained aquariums with stable water conditions, live rock, and a peaceful community setup.

Omnivorous, feeding on plankton, algae, and small invertebrates in the wild.
Requires a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp.
Readily accepts prepared foods and benefits from occasional live food offerings.
Should be fed multiple small meals per day to maintain energy levels and support overall health.
A balanced diet ensures optimal coloration and long-term vitality.

Prefers coral-rich reef environments with moderate to strong water flow.
Frequently seen schooling near coral heads, using them for shelter and protection.
Aquarium setups should include live rock formations to support natural schooling behaviors.
Requires high-quality filtration and stable water parameters to thrive.
Providing open swimming areas along with coral branches helps reduce stress.

Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C) for maintaining metabolic balance.
Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.
Requires excellent water quality with routine water changes to prevent disease.
Reef-safe and does not pose a threat to corals or invertebrates.
Providing structured rock formations encourages their natural schooling and foraging habits.

Peaceful and ideal for community tanks with other non-aggressive fish.
Compatible with clownfish, tangs, wrasses, gobies, and other small to medium-sized reef fish.
Thrives in groups of five or more, as solitary individuals may become shy or stressed.
Should not be housed with overly aggressive fish that may cause intimidation or food competition.
Providing ample swimming space and coral structures enhances their natural schooling behavior.

An energetic and social species that enjoys swimming in open water.
Frequently observed darting between corals and displaying schooling behaviors.
More confident in larger groups, where they exhibit natural movement patterns.
Providing a structured reef environment encourages their active and inquisitive nature.
Over time, they may recognize their caretaker and become more interactive during feeding sessions.