Half-and-half Chromis is a marine fish with the scientific name Chromis iomelas. It belongs to the Pomacentridae family and lives in reefs.
Sometimes, you can find this fish for sale as aquarium pets. Half-and-half Chromis live alone or in small groups near passages and outer reef slopes.
It often mingles with a similar species called C. margaritifer. Its diet consists of plankton. This fish is active during daytime hours and is safe for coral reefs.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Half-and-half Chromis Interesting Facts
- Half-and-half Chromis live near reefs at depths of 10 to 115 feet in the Pacific Ocean.
- They grow up to 3.1 inches (8.0 centimeters) long, with unique features like more dorsal soft rays than similar species.
- Their diet consists mainly of plankton, and they are active during daytime hours.
- During breeding, these fish form pairs and lay eggs that stick to underwater surfaces.
Half-and-half Chromis Habitat
Half-and-half Chromis is found in the Pacific Ocean. Its habitat ranges from the Great Barrier Reef to northern New Guinea, Samoa, and the Society Islands.
This fish doesn’t live in the western Pacific north of New Guinea or Micronesia. Half-and-half Chromis lives near reefs and doesn’t migrate.
It’s found at depths of 3 to 35 meters (roughly 10 to 115 feet) in tropical waters.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Half-and-half Chromis Physical Characteristics
Size: 3.1 inches (8.0 centimeters)
Half-and-half Chromis grows up to 3.1 inches (8.0 centimeters) long. It has 12 dorsal spines, 13 to 14 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 13 to 14 anal soft rays.
Its body is dark brown from the snout to around the fourth dorsal-fin spine, turning white towards the tail. The body is short and deep.
Half-and-half Chromis differs from similar species like C. fieldi and C. dimidiata by having more dorsal soft rays (13 or 14 instead of 12), a different color split location in front of the anal fin origin, and distinct genetic differences in its mitochondrial DNA.
Half-and-half Chromis Reproduction
Half-and-half Chromis lay eggs that stick to surfaces underwater.
During breeding, they form distinct pairs. Males protect and provide oxygen to the eggs.
Half-and-half Chromis Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Pycnochromis |
| Scientific Name: | Chromis iomelas |
| Also Known As: | Half-and-half Chromis |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |