Chromis nitida Care Sheet
Common Names: Barrier Reef Chromis, Green Puller
Scientific Name: Chromis nitida
Family: Pomacentridae
Origin: Indo-Pacific region, particularly around the Great Barrier Reef.
Appearance:
- Coloration: Typically green to greenish-blue with a lighter belly.
- Size: Up to 10 cm (4 inches) in length.
- Lifespan: Around 5-8 years with proper care.
Aquarium Requirements:
- Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons for a small group. Larger tanks (50+ gallons) are recommended for better stability and more swimming space.
- Water Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F).
- pH: 8.1-8.4.
- Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025.
- Water Hardness: 8-12 dKH.
- Flow: Moderate water flow to simulate natural habitat.
- Lighting: Moderate to high lighting, mimicking natural daylight cycles.
Tank Setup:
- Aquascape: Provide plenty of live rock for hiding and territory establishment. Open swimming areas are also essential.
- Substrate: Sand or fine gravel.
- Plants: While not necessary, some marine algae or seagrass can be included for a more natural environment.
- Decor: Caves, overhangs, and crevices to mimic reef structure.
Compatibility:
- Community Tank: Peaceful and suitable for community tanks with other non-aggressive fish.
- Tank Mates: Other small reef fish, gobies, clownfish, and peaceful wrasses. Avoid aggressive species and larger predatory fish.
- Invertebrates: Generally safe with most invertebrates, including shrimps, crabs, and snails.
Diet:
- Feeding: Omnivorous.
- Foods: Provide a varied diet including high-quality flake food, marine pellets, frozen foods (brine shrimp, mysis shrimp), and occasionally live foods.
- Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily in small amounts to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.
Maintenance:
- Water Changes: Regular weekly water changes of 10-20% to maintain water quality.
- Monitoring: Regular testing of water parameters (temperature, pH, salinity, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates) is crucial.
- Equipment: A reliable filtration system, protein skimmer, and heater are necessary. UV sterilizers can be beneficial for disease prevention.
Behavior and Temperament:
- Schooling: Prefer to be kept in small groups of at least 3-6 individuals to exhibit natural schooling behavior.
- Territoriality: Generally peaceful but may establish small territories, especially if space is limited.
- Activity Level: Active swimmers, often found in the middle to upper regions of the tank.
Health and Disease:
- Common Issues: Susceptible to marine ich, bacterial infections, and parasitic infestations if water quality is poor.
- Prevention: Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank. Maintain excellent water quality and provide a balanced diet to boost their immune system.
- Treatment: Use reef-safe medications if necessary and isolate infected individuals to prevent the spread of disease.
Breeding:
- Spawning: Egg-layers, but breeding in captivity is rare.
- Behavior: Males may become territorial and guard the nesting site.
- Fry Care: If breeding occurs, remove other fish to increase fry survival rates. Provide appropriate foods for the larvae such as rotifers and baby brine shrimp.
Chromis nitida are resilient and relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. Their vibrant color and peaceful nature add beauty and diversity to any marine aquarium.