Paletail Chromis, scientifically known as Chromis xanthura, is a type of damselfish found in the Pacific Ocean. Sometimes, it’s sold for aquariums.
Adult Paletail Chromis live in deep reefs and shallow coastal areas, often gathering in large groups to eat tiny animals called zooplankton.
Young fish stay close to safe hiding spots. Paletail Chromis are active during the day and safe for coral reefs.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Paletail Chromis Interesting Facts
- Paletail Chromis fish change color based on size and location: young fish are gray or metallic blue, while adults are dark gray or black.
- These fish are found in the Pacific Ocean at depths of 3 to 40 meters, thriving in tropical waters between latitudes 35°N to 25°S.
- Male Paletail Chromis protect their eggs by fanning them with their fins, providing oxygen for optimal development.
- They are suitable for aquariums as they are active during the day and safe for coral reefs.
Paletail Chromis Habitat
Paletail Chromis is a marine fish found in the Pacific Ocean, specifically from Christmas Island and northwestern Australia’s offshore reefs to Oceania islands (except Hawaii).
It has also been reported in the Maldives, Japan, and Taiwan. In the western Indian Ocean, it’s replaced by a similar species called Chromis opercularis.
Paletail Chromis lives in marine environments, such as coral reefs. It doesn’t migrate and is found at depths of 3 to 40 meters.
This fish thrives in tropical waters between 35°N to 25°S latitude.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Paletail Chromis Physical Characteristics
Size: 6.7 inches (17.0 centimeters)
Paletail Chromis grows up to 6.7 inches (17.0 centimeters) long. It has 13 dorsal spines, 10 to 11 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 9 to 10 anal soft rays.
The color of this fish changes depending on its size and location. Young Paletail Chromis are gray or metallic blue with a bright orange-yellow tail.
While adult fish are dark gray or black, and usually have a white tail. The body depth is about 2.1 to 2.3 times the standard length.
Paletail Chromis Reproduction
Paletail Chromis form unique pairs when breeding.
They lay eggs that stick to surfaces like sand under ledges or at slope bases, with each breeding pair staying together during this process.
Male fish protect and provide oxygen to the eggs by fanning them with their fins.
Paletail Chromis Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Chromis |
| Scientific Name: | Chromis xanthura |
| Also Known As: | Paletail Chromis |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |