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Blue chromis (Chromis cyanea) — Pomacentridae

Blue chromis

Chromis cyanea
Family: Pomacentridae

The Blue chromis (Chromis cyanea) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The blue chromis (Chromis cyanea) is a striking reef fish of the family Pomacentridae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species has an oval, laterally compressed body in a brilliant cobalt blue, with black edges along the dorsal and caudal fins, and reaches about 13 cm. It lives in loose groups above coral reefs, where the fish swim in the open water column to pick zooplankton from the water; when threatened they dive quickly among the coral. Owing to its bright blue colour the species is a favourite marine aquarium fish. Like other damselfishes the males can be territorial around the nest.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue chromis?

The Blue chromis has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Blue chromis live?

The Blue chromis lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Blue chromis get?

The Blue chromis grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Blue chromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Blue chromis is harmless to humans.

Is the Blue chromis edible?

The Blue chromis is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blauwe chromis sourced
English name
Blue chromis sourced
Scientific name
Chromis cyanea
Family
Pomacentridae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
13.0 sourced
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Chromis

More from the family Pomacentridae

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