Green Chromis - Chromis Viridis

Green Chromis (Chromis viridis)

The Green Chromis, Chromis viridis, is a peaceful and attractive marine damselfish, loved for its shimmering blue-green colour, active swimming behaviour and natural schooling appearance. Also commonly known as the Blue Green Chromis or Blue-Green Damselfish, this species is one of the calmer members of the damselfish family and is often used to add movement and life to reef aquariums. It is hardy once settled, reef safe and well suited to mature marine systems, although group behaviour should be planned carefully as individuals can become competitive over time.

Common Name:
Green Chromis, Blue Green Chromis, Blue-Green Chromis, Blue Green Damselfish, Blue-Green Damselfish, Green Puller.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Chromis viridis

Maximum Size:
Around 8–10 cm, making it a small to medium-sized reef fish suitable for many marine aquariums.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Found across the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Indian Ocean, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Australia and many tropical Pacific reef regions. In the wild, Green Chromis are usually found in large aggregations above branching corals, especially Acropora, in sheltered lagoons, reef flats and coral-rich areas. Juveniles often stay close to individual coral heads, using the branches for shelter when threatened.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Peaceful to mildly semi-aggressive within groups. Green Chromis are generally much calmer than many damselfish and are suitable for peaceful reef communities. However, when kept in groups, weaker individuals may sometimes be bullied as a hierarchy forms, especially in smaller aquariums or if food is limited. They are best kept with peaceful to moderately active marine fish that will not harass or outcompete them.

Diet:
Planktivore with omnivorous tendencies. In the wild, Green Chromis feed mainly on small planktonic foods in the water column. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, cyclops, copepod-based foods, fine marine pellets, quality flakes and occasional algae-based foods. Smaller, regular feeds are ideal, as this species naturally feeds throughout the day.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical minimum of around 100 litres is recommended for a single specimen or small group, with larger aquariums preferred for groups. For long-term group keeping, provide open swimming space, mature rockwork, branching coral-style shelter and good water movement.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active mid-water swimmer that spends much of its time in open water above the rockwork. In suitable aquariums, Green Chromis can form loose groups that create a natural reef display, though they may not always remain tightly schooling in the aquarium. They appreciate open swimming lanes as well as branching coral-style shelter or rockwork where they can retreat quickly if startled. A secure lid is recommended, as startled marine fish can jump.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Green Chromis are considered reef safe and do not normally nip corals, clam mantles or sessile invertebrates. They are a good choice for reef aquariums, fish-only systems and peaceful marine communities. Their active swimming behaviour can also help add movement to the upper and middle levels of the aquarium.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature, stable marine aquarium with good oxygenation and regular feeding. If keeping a group, choose an appropriately sized aquarium and monitor for bullying or individuals being pushed away from food. Green Chromis can be sensitive during import and quarantine, so careful acclimation, clean water and close observation are recommended. Avoid mixing with aggressive damsels, predatory fish or tank mates that may intimidate them.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common in trade / Availability can vary depending on size, supplier and import season

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.