Black-and-gold Chromis, also known as Behn’s Damsel, is a type of damselfish found in the Indo-West Pacific region. It’s sometimes sold for aquariums.
There are two forms of this fish. One with a long tail and black color is found from the Andaman Sea to Japan, and another is known as N. xanthurus that’s found in the rest of the West Pacific.
They both overlap in range on Bali’s north coast. Black-and-gold Chromis lives in coral-rich areas of lagoons and reefs, usually alone.
It eats algae, crustaceans, and small floating sea creatures called tunicates and salps. This fish is active during daytime hours (diurnal) and is safe for coral reefs.
Black-and-gold Chromis Interesting Facts
- Black-and-gold Chromis grows up to 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters) long and is found in the Indo-West Pacific region.
- These fish inhabit coral-rich lagoons and reefs, eating algae, crustaceans, tunicates, and salps.
- Males guard their eggs underwater until they hatch, forming distinct pairs during breeding.
- There are two color varieties: completely brown/black or light brown/grey with a yellow back part.
Black-and-gold Chromis Habitat
Black-and-gold Chromis is found in the Indo-West Pacific region, including places like the Andaman Sea (Phuket), Malayan Archipelago, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands, Palau, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and northern Australia.
It was previously known as Paraglyphidodon behnii. This fish lives in marine environments near coral reefs.
It doesn’t migrate and is found at depths of 2 to 23 meters (about 7 to 75 feet).
This tropical fish thrives in water temperatures between 32°N to 25°S latitude and 92°E to 171°E longitude.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Black-and-gold Chromis Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters)
Black-and-gold Chromis grows up to 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters) long.
It has 13 dorsal spines, 14 to 16 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 13 to 15 anal soft rays. Black-and-gold Chromis has a long tail and a black head.
Also, there are two color varieties of this fish. One is completely brown or black.
The second variety has a lighter brown or grey front part, while the back part turns yellow.
Young Black-and-gold Chromis has a unique appearance – it’s mostly yellow with two black stripes.
The body depth of this fish is about 1.7 to 2 times its standard length.
Black-and-gold Chromis Reproduction
Black-and-gold Chromis lays eggs (oviparous) and forms distinct pairs during breeding. The eggs stick to surfaces (demersal) like rocks or plants.
Male fish protect the eggs and help them get oxygen by moving water around them.
Black-and-gold Chromis Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Neoglyphidodon |
| Scientific Name: | Neoglyphidodon nigroris |
| Also Known As: | Black-and-gold Chromis, Behn’s Damsel |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |