Black-axil Chromis is a tropical fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. It’s also called the Blackfin Chromis or Blue-green Puller.
This fish lives in lagoons and reefs after its late-larval stage. Black-axil Chromis is often seen in large groups, swimming above Acropora corals.
It mostly eats tiny creatures like copepods, amphipods, and zoea. People sometimes confuse Black-axil Chromis with its close relative, Chromis viridis.
During the day, adult fish live in clear lagoons and seaward reef slopes among coral thickets. They form big groups while feeding above staghorn Acropora corals.
Black-axil Chromis mainly feed on copepods, amphipods, and zoea. These fish are safe for reef environments as they don’t harm other aquatic life forms.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Black-axil Chromis Interesting Facts
- Black-axil Chromis grows up to 4.7 inches (12.0 centimeters) long and lives in lagoons and reefs after its late-larval stage.
- It forms large groups while feeding on copepods, amphipods, and zoea above staghorn Acropora corals.
- Males protect and provide oxygen for the eggs during breeding until they hatch.
- This fish is found in various locations, from Oceania islands to Australia and Ryukyu Islands.
Black-axil Chromis Habitat
Black-axil Chromis is found in the Indo-Pacific region. It lives in most Oceania islands except Hawaii, Marquesas, and Pitcairn Group.
You can also find it from Australia to the Ryukyu Islands. In the Indian Ocean, people have seen this fish in Seychelles, Thailand, and Western Australia.
Sometimes, it’s confused with another fish called Chromis viridis. Black-axil Chromis lives near reefs and doesn’t migrate.
It’s found at depths of 1 to 29 meters (3 to 95 feet) in tropical waters located between 32°N to 32°S latitude and 43°E to 132°W longitude.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Black-axil Chromis Physical Characteristics
Size: 4.7 inches (12.0 centimeters)
Black-axil Chromis grows up to 4.7 inches (12.0 centimeters) long. It has 12 dorsal spines, 9 to 10 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 9 to 10 anal soft rays.
Its head and body have a pale green color, and its body depth is about twice its length.
Black-axil Chromis Reproduction
Black-axil Chromis reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). During the breeding process, these fish form distinct pairs.
They lay their eggs on surfaces underwater, where they stick to them. The male fish protect and supply oxygen to the eggs until they hatch.
Black-axil Chromis Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Chromis |
| Scientific Name: | Chromis atripectoralis |
| Also Known As: | Black-axil Chromis, Blackfin Chromis, Blue-green Puller |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |