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Olive chromis (Chromis insolata) — Pomacentridae

Olive chromis

Chromis insolata
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Olive chromis (Chromis insolata) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
20–100 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Atlantic; outer and seaward reefs.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The sunshinefish is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. Juveniles are vividly two-coloured blue and yellow, adults olive-brown with a yellow tinge. Adults live in loose groups on outer and seaward reefs, often at greater depth. Above the reef it catches zooplankton from the water current and shelters among rock and coral when threatened. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Olive chromis?

The Olive chromis has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Juveniles bright blue and yellow, adults olive-brown; plankton feeder of deeper outer reefs.

Where does the Olive chromis live?

The Olive chromis lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic; outer and seaward reefs.

How big does the Olive chromis get?

The Olive chromis grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Olive chromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Olive chromis is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Olive chromis edible?

The Olive chromis is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Olive chromis verified
Scientific name
Chromis insolata
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Olive chromis; Olive damselfish; Sunshine chromis; Sunshinefish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Forked
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thin
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
20 verified
Max depth (m)
100 verified
Natural range
Western Atlantic; outer and seaward reefs.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Zooplankton from the water flow sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups
Territorial
Yes
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Juveniles bright blue and yellow, adults olive-brown; plankton feeder of deeper outer reefs. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. 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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