Black Bar Chromis - Pycnochromis retrofasciatus

Black Bar Chromis (Pycnochromis retrofasciatus)

The Black Bar Chromis, Pycnochromis retrofasciatus, is a small, attractive marine damselfish with a yellow to cream body, bright eye detail and a bold black vertical bar near the tail. Still widely sold as Chromis retrofasciata, this species is also known as the Black-bar Chromis or Black Bar Puller. It is a lively, reef-safe fish that does best in a mature marine aquarium with branching rockwork, open swimming space and peaceful to moderately active tank mates.

Common Name:
Black Bar Chromis, Black-bar Chromis, Blackbar Chromis, Black Bar Puller.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pycnochromis retrofasciatus
Still widely traded as Chromis retrofasciata.

Maximum Size:
Usually around 5–6 cm.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Pacific. In the wild, Black Bar Chromis inhabit clear lagoon reefs and seaward reef slopes, especially coral-rich areas with thick branching coral shelter. They are usually seen singly or in small groups, staying close to reef structure for safety while feeding in the water column.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: Marine salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity; stable marine water quality and good oxygenation are recommended.

Temperament:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive. Generally calmer than many damselfish, but it can become territorial towards other chromis or shy fish, particularly in cramped aquariums. Best kept either singly or as a properly sized group in a spacious setup with plenty of cover.

Diet:
Omnivorous plankton-picker. Offer quality marine flakes, small pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, cyclops, copepods, finely chopped marine foods and zooplankton-based preparations. Feed small amounts once or twice daily, ensuring timid individuals are not outcompeted.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 180 litres is recommended for a single specimen or small group, with larger aquariums preferred for groups. Provide both open swimming room and branching rockwork or coral-like shelter.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active daytime fish that spends much of its time hovering and swimming in the mid-to-upper water column near rockwork. It may retreat quickly into branching coral or caves when startled. In groups, mild chasing and hierarchy behaviour can occur, so space, feeding and cover are important.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Safe with corals and most ornamental invertebrates. It may eat tiny planktonic foods and small crustacean larvae, but it is not a coral picker and is generally suitable for peaceful reef aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature aquarium with stable salinity, good filtration, open swimming space and branching rockwork for shelter. Avoid very aggressive tank mates that may bully it, and avoid overcrowding chromis groups in small tanks, as this can lead to stress and fighting. A secure lid is recommended, as active reef fish can jump when startled.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate marine fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Marine import

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.