Bicolor Chromis Damsel (Chromis Margaritifer)

Species Name : Chromis Margaritifer

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Aggressive

Color : Black, Tan, White, Blue

Diet : Omnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 5"

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family : Pomacentridae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

Chromis Margaritifer, known commonly as the Bicolor Chromis, is a species of marine fish in the family Pomacentridae.

The Bicolor Chromis is dark brown-grey with a dark patch at the base of the pectoral fins. The color abruptly changes to bright white at the base of the tail, into the rear tips of the anal and dorsal fins.The tips of the dorsal fin spines are blue. A few may get more colorful as adults but most change from very colorful juveniles to bland, more subdued adults. Mature Bicolor Chromis Damselfish reach lengths around two inches (five centimeters) in captivity, though in the wild fish up to four inches (ten centimeters) long have been found. These lovely fish can make beautiful additions to many tanks or reefs.

Bicolor Chromis should be provided with an aquarium of 30 gallons or more with ample swimming space at the mid to upper levels as well as sand or crushed coral substrate and plenty of live rock for shelter. 

The Bicolor Chromis Damsel is peaceful and friendly with most tank mates but can exhibit signs of territorialism with other damselfish species. It is best to keep Bicolour Chromis in groups of 6 or more due to their shoaling nature. The tank should be well mature before adding these fish, and the entire group should be introduced simultaneously. 

These fish are generally not picky eaters. Offer a varied diet consisting of small frozen foods such as Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp and finely chopped krill, plus marine flake food and herbivore rations. Feed small amounts 3 times per day. Enriching your frozen foods with liquid vitamin products prior to feeding will help your fish to retain their colours.