Green Reef Chromis (Chromis Viridis)

Size L

Species Name : Chromis Viridis

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Blue, Green

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 : 4"

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family : Pomacentridae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

The Green Reef Chromis, also known as Blue Green Chromis (and scientifically as Chromis Viridis), is a hugely popular saltwater fish. 

Renowned for their beauty, Green Chromis can vary in color from light blue through to pale green. They have a compact body with a glorious forked tail giving it a striking appearance. They are iridescent, with a built-in shimmer of colors, the fins are transparent. This is with the exception of matured males, who, during mating, turn into a yellow color with a black tail. Adults of this species can grow up to 10 centimetres (3.9 in) at maximum length.

A minimum aquarium size of 30 gallons or more is recommended. However, if you are going to keep a shoal; then a minimum of 60 gallons is needed. Don’t forget to add plenty of live rock, too. In an aquarium, Green Reef Chromis will swim at all levels of the water column, but you will mostly find them in the middle; they are active swimmers and will be one of the "busiest" fish in your tank.

The Green Reef Chromis is desirable not only for its beauty, but also for its peaceful demeanor (despite its designation as a true damselfish) and ability to be kept with almost all other community fish, invertebrates, and corals. The Green Chromis is not housed with larger predatory fish, as they may become food themselves. Groupers, lionfish, and eels all present an element of danger for this species.

Some aquarists have successfully bred the Green Reef Chromis in the home aquarium. Interestingly, the body color of mature males, ready to nest, changes to a muted yellow color. However, breeding success requires perfect water parameters in only the largest of non-predatory aquarium systems.

For best care, feed several times throughout the day with a varied diet of meaty foods, herbivore flakes, and frozen preparations. For frozen food, you can feed them Krill and Mysis shrimp. You can also use a liquid vitamin which will help their body color stay vibrant.