Spiny Chromis is a unique type of damselfish found in the western Pacific. It’s the only fish in the Acanthochromis genus.
This fish lives in various environments such as coral reefs, harbors, lagoons, and outer reef slopes.
Unlike other similar fish, it doesn’t have a pelagic larval stage. As this fish grows up, it forms schools, and young adults usually stay in small groups.
Spiny Chromis is safe for coral reefs.
Spiny Chromis Interesting Facts
- Spiny Chromis is the only fish in the Acanthochromis genus, found in the western Pacific.
- Spiny Chromis parents guard their fry (baby fish) and lay eggs on underwater surfaces, unlike most marine fish.
- Their color can range from blackish to pale gray or dark brown, with potentially multiple species due to various patterns.
Spiny Chromis Habitat
Spiny Chromis is found in the Western Pacific, ranging from Indonesia and the Philippines to northeastern Australia and Melanesia.
It lives in marine environments, specifically around reefs. This fish doesn’t migrate and usually swims at depths of 4 to 20 meters (1 to 65 meters range).
It prefers tropical waters between latitudes 15°N to 26°S and longitudes 116°E to 169°E.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Spiny Chromis Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.5 inches (14.0 centimeters)
Spiny Chromis grows up to 5.5 inches (14.0 centimeters) long. It has 17 dorsal spines, 14 to 16 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 14 to 16 anal soft rays.
Its color can vary from blackish to pale gray. In the Philippines and Indonesia, it’s usually dark brown.
However, in Australia and Papua New Guinea, there might be multiple species due to different color patterns.
Spiny Chromis Reproduction
Spiny Chromis is one of the rare marine fish where parents guard their fry (baby fish).
They lay eggs and form distinct pairs when breeding. Adult pairs often become territorial while breeding.
Spiny Chromis mate monogamously, meaning they have only one partner. The eggs are attached to surfaces in the water and don’t float around.
Male Spiny Chromis protect and help circulate air around the eggs.
This species doesn’t have a phase where the young ones can be both male or female, and all males develop normal reproductive organs for their gender.
Spiny Chromis Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Acanthochromis |
| Scientific Name: | Acanthochromis polyacanthus |
| Also Known As: | Spiny Chromis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |