Description
South Pacific Green Chromis (Chromis viridis)
Overview
The South Pacific Green Chromis, also known simply as the Green Chromis, is one of the most popular and widely kept reef fish. It is admired for its shimmering blue-green body, peaceful nature, and active schooling behaviour. Reaching about 8–10 cm (3–4 inches), it adds constant motion and colour to community aquariums. When kept in groups, these fish display their natural shoaling behaviour, darting in and out of corals and rockwork.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Maldives, and Micronesia. They are typically found in large shoals hovering above branching corals on reef flats and lagoons, where they feed on plankton.
Feeding
The Green Chromis is an omnivorous planktivore and readily adapts to prepared aquarium diets:
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High-quality marine flakes and micro-pellets
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Frozen mysis shrimp, cyclops, and enriched brine shrimp
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Finely chopped seafood for variety
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Spirulina or algae-based foods to maintain colour and health
Feed 2–3 small meals per day.
Tank Mates
Peaceful and reef-safe, they mix well with a wide variety of tank mates:
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Clownfish
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Gobies and blennies
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Wrasses (reef-safe species)
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Cardinalfish
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Other peaceful chromis species
Avoid aggressive species (triggers, large wrasses, dottybacks) that may harass them.
Aggression
Peaceful. Best kept in groups of 5 or more, as they display natural shoaling behaviour and aggression is spread across the group. In smaller numbers, dominant individuals may bully weaker ones.
Experience Level
Beginner-friendly. Hardy, adaptable, and colourful, they are excellent fish for new and experienced marine aquarists alike.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
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Hardness (dKH): 8–12
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Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (115L) for a small group; larger tanks recommended for shoals
Provide open swimming space with plenty of branching live rock or coral cover for shelter.
Reef Compatibility
Reef safe. They will not harm corals or invertebrates and are a classic choice for adding colour and movement to reef aquariums.
