Overview
- Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found in coral reefs, lagoons, and sheltered coastal waters.
- Identified by its bright blue-green body with a distinctive black marking near the pectoral fins.
- A peaceful schooling fish that thrives in groups and adds movement to reef aquariums.
- Typically observed swimming in the midwater column, darting between coral branches for protection.
- Best suited for aquariums with stable water conditions, live rock formations, and peaceful tankmates.
Feeding
- Omnivorous, feeding on planktonic crustaceans, algae, and zooplankton in the wild.
- Requires a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, and enriched brine shrimp.
- Readily accepts prepared foods and benefits from occasional live food feedings.
- Should be fed multiple small meals per day to sustain energy levels and support growth.
- A balanced diet helps maintain its bright coloration and overall health.
Habitat
- Prefers reef environments with moderate water flow and ample swimming space.
- Frequently found near branching corals, where it seeks shelter from predators.
- Aquarium setups should include live rock formations to encourage natural behaviors.
- Requires high-quality filtration and stable water parameters to prevent stress.
- Providing a well-structured environment with shaded areas promotes a sense of security.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C) for maintaining a healthy metabolism.
- Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.
- Requires excellent water quality with frequent water changes to ensure long-term health.
- Reef-safe and poses no threat to corals or invertebrates.
- Providing live rock structures enhances natural grazing and schooling behaviors.
Compatibility
- Peaceful and best suited for community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
- Compatible with clownfish, wrasses, gobies, and other peaceful reef inhabitants.
- Thrives in groups of five or more, as solitary individuals may become stressed.
- Should not be housed with overly aggressive fish that may intimidate or outcompete them for food.
- Providing open swimming space and coral branches enhances their natural schooling behavior.
Aquarium Behavior
- An active and social species that enjoys swimming in the mid to upper water column.
- Frequently seen darting in and out of coral structures for protection.
- Becomes more confident when kept in groups and displays natural schooling behaviors.
- Providing a well-structured environment encourages its active and inquisitive nature.
- Over time, it may become more accustomed to its caretaker and actively engage during feeding sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Black-Axil Chromis look like?
It is pale aqua-blue on the back, fading to iridescent green below, with a black spot at the base of each pectoral fin.
How is the Black-Axil Chromis different from the Green Chromis?
They look almost identical, but adult Black-Axil Chromis have a black spot at the base of the pectoral fin. Juveniles lack the spot, so the two are often mixed up.
How big does a Black-Axil Chromis get?
It reaches about 5 in (13 cm).
What size tank does a Black-Axil Chromis need?
At least 30 gallons (114 L). A group needs more room.
Is the Black-Axil Chromis reef safe?
Yes. It is fully reef safe.
What does a Black-Axil Chromis eat?
In the wild it eats copepods, amphipods and crab larvae. Feed mysis, brine shrimp, flakes and small pellets.
Can you keep Black-Axil Chromis in a group?
Yes. It forms large schools over staghorn coral in the wild. Groups of five or more look best.
Is the Black-Axil Chromis peaceful?
Yes. It is rated peaceful and gets along with almost all community fish.
Where does the Black-Axil Chromis come from?
It lives on most islands of Oceania and in Australia, north to the Ryukyus.
Is the Black-Axil Chromis good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner-level and is hardy.