Fin's Fish Guide
The Purple chromis (Chromis scotti) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The purple reeffish is a small damselfish of the family Pomacentridae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a blue-purple shining body, in juveniles with bright blue lines on the head. Adults live on steep outer slopes and deeper patch reefs, where they hover in small groups just above the bottom. As a plankton feeder it picks small zooplankton from the water column. In spawning the male guards the adhesive eggs laid on the bottom. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Purple chromis?
The Purple chromis has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Blue-purple glossy body; plankton-picking reef damselfish of deeper outer slopes.
Where does the Purple chromis live?
The Purple chromis lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; steep outer slopes and deeper reefs.
How big does the Purple chromis get?
The Purple chromis grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Purple chromis dangerous to humans?
No, the Purple chromis is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Purple chromis edible?
The Purple chromis is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Purple chromis?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Purple chromis is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chromis
More from the family Pomacentridae
Want the complete picture on the Purple chromis?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Purple chromis is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone