Blue Reef Chromis (Chromis Cyaneus)
Blue Reef Chromis (Chromis cyaneus)
The Blue Reef Chromis is a Caribbean standout, often considered the most beautiful of all the Chromis species. Unlike the common green-blue Chromis, this species boasts a deep, iridescent sapphire-blue body that is almost electric in its intensity. It is a peaceful, schooling fish that naturally inhabits the upper reaches of coral reefs, darting among branching corals like Acropora for safety.
Key Information
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Common Names: Blue Reef Chromis, Caribbean Blue Chromis
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Scientific Name: Chromis cyaneus
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Origin: Tropical Western Atlantic (Caribbean, Florida, Bahamas)
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Max Size: 12–15 cm (approx. 5–6 inches)
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Lifespan: 8–15 years
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Temperament: Peaceful; ideal for community reef tanks
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Diet: Omnivore/Planktivore – Requires small, frequent feedings
-
Care Level: Easy
Appearance & Identification
The Blue Reef Chromis is easily distinguished from other blue fish:
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Coloration: A solid, glowing sapphire blue with a metallic sheen.
-
Fin Details: It features a black border on the outer edges of the dorsal and anal fins, and its deeply forked tail often has black margins as well.
-
Body Shape: Sleeker and more elongated than the oval-shaped Blue Devil Damselfish.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
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Shoaling Nature: To see their best behavior and coloration, they must be kept in a group (ideally 6 or more). In a group, they stay active in the open water and exhibit a beautiful schooling motion.
-
Aggression: They are among the least aggressive damselfishes. They do not pick fights and are generally safe to keep with even the most timid tank mates.
-
Dither Fish: Their presence in the water column signals to other shy fish that it is safe to come out of the rockwork.
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Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They are perfect for reef tanks as they do not bother corals or any invertebrates.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) for a single, but 285L+ (75+ Gallons) is recommended for a healthy school.
-
Swimming Space: Provide plenty of unobstructed horizontal swimming room in the upper half of the tank.
-
Rockwork: Include branching corals or live rock with many small openings to mimic their natural refuge.
-
Flow: They thrive in strong water movement, which helps keep their food (zooplankton) suspended in the water column.
-
Lid: Like all Chromis, they are fast swimmers and can jump if startled. A secure lid is essential.
Why Choose the Blue Reef Chromis?
The Blue Reef Chromis is for the hobbyist who wants a "premium" schooling fish that won't harass other inhabitants. While they are more expensive and harder to find than the Green Chromis, their color is significantly more intense and their personality more refined. They provide a constant shimmering blue presence that is hard to match, making them a top-tier choice for high-end reef displays.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Blue Reef Chromis (Chromis Cyaneus)
Blue Reef Chromis (Chromis Cyaneus)
Blue Reef Chromis (Chromis cyaneus)
The Blue Reef Chromis is a Caribbean standout, often considered the most beautiful of all the Chromis species. Unlike the common green-blue Chromis, this species boasts a deep, iridescent sapphire-blue body that is almost electric in its intensity. It is a peaceful, schooling fish that naturally inhabits the upper reaches of coral reefs, darting among branching corals like Acropora for safety.
Key Information
-
Common Names: Blue Reef Chromis, Caribbean Blue Chromis
-
Scientific Name: Chromis cyaneus
-
Origin: Tropical Western Atlantic (Caribbean, Florida, Bahamas)
-
Max Size: 12–15 cm (approx. 5–6 inches)
-
Lifespan: 8–15 years
-
Temperament: Peaceful; ideal for community reef tanks
-
Diet: Omnivore/Planktivore – Requires small, frequent feedings
-
Care Level: Easy
Appearance & Identification
The Blue Reef Chromis is easily distinguished from other blue fish:
-
Coloration: A solid, glowing sapphire blue with a metallic sheen.
-
Fin Details: It features a black border on the outer edges of the dorsal and anal fins, and its deeply forked tail often has black margins as well.
-
Body Shape: Sleeker and more elongated than the oval-shaped Blue Devil Damselfish.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
-
Shoaling Nature: To see their best behavior and coloration, they must be kept in a group (ideally 6 or more). In a group, they stay active in the open water and exhibit a beautiful schooling motion.
-
Aggression: They are among the least aggressive damselfishes. They do not pick fights and are generally safe to keep with even the most timid tank mates.
-
Dither Fish: Their presence in the water column signals to other shy fish that it is safe to come out of the rockwork.
-
Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They are perfect for reef tanks as they do not bother corals or any invertebrates.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) for a single, but 285L+ (75+ Gallons) is recommended for a healthy school.
-
Swimming Space: Provide plenty of unobstructed horizontal swimming room in the upper half of the tank.
-
Rockwork: Include branching corals or live rock with many small openings to mimic their natural refuge.
-
Flow: They thrive in strong water movement, which helps keep their food (zooplankton) suspended in the water column.
-
Lid: Like all Chromis, they are fast swimmers and can jump if startled. A secure lid is essential.
Why Choose the Blue Reef Chromis?
The Blue Reef Chromis is for the hobbyist who wants a "premium" schooling fish that won't harass other inhabitants. While they are more expensive and harder to find than the Green Chromis, their color is significantly more intense and their personality more refined. They provide a constant shimmering blue presence that is hard to match, making them a top-tier choice for high-end reef displays.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Blue Reef Chromis (Chromis cyaneus)
The Blue Reef Chromis is a Caribbean standout, often considered the most beautiful of all the Chromis species. Unlike the common green-blue Chromis, this species boasts a deep, iridescent sapphire-blue body that is almost electric in its intensity. It is a peaceful, schooling fish that naturally inhabits the upper reaches of coral reefs, darting among branching corals like Acropora for safety.
Key Information
-
Common Names: Blue Reef Chromis, Caribbean Blue Chromis
-
Scientific Name: Chromis cyaneus
-
Origin: Tropical Western Atlantic (Caribbean, Florida, Bahamas)
-
Max Size: 12–15 cm (approx. 5–6 inches)
-
Lifespan: 8–15 years
-
Temperament: Peaceful; ideal for community reef tanks
-
Diet: Omnivore/Planktivore – Requires small, frequent feedings
-
Care Level: Easy
Appearance & Identification
The Blue Reef Chromis is easily distinguished from other blue fish:
-
Coloration: A solid, glowing sapphire blue with a metallic sheen.
-
Fin Details: It features a black border on the outer edges of the dorsal and anal fins, and its deeply forked tail often has black margins as well.
-
Body Shape: Sleeker and more elongated than the oval-shaped Blue Devil Damselfish.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
-
Shoaling Nature: To see their best behavior and coloration, they must be kept in a group (ideally 6 or more). In a group, they stay active in the open water and exhibit a beautiful schooling motion.
-
Aggression: They are among the least aggressive damselfishes. They do not pick fights and are generally safe to keep with even the most timid tank mates.
-
Dither Fish: Their presence in the water column signals to other shy fish that it is safe to come out of the rockwork.
-
Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They are perfect for reef tanks as they do not bother corals or any invertebrates.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) for a single, but 285L+ (75+ Gallons) is recommended for a healthy school.
-
Swimming Space: Provide plenty of unobstructed horizontal swimming room in the upper half of the tank.
-
Rockwork: Include branching corals or live rock with many small openings to mimic their natural refuge.
-
Flow: They thrive in strong water movement, which helps keep their food (zooplankton) suspended in the water column.
-
Lid: Like all Chromis, they are fast swimmers and can jump if startled. A secure lid is essential.
Why Choose the Blue Reef Chromis?
The Blue Reef Chromis is for the hobbyist who wants a "premium" schooling fish that won't harass other inhabitants. While they are more expensive and harder to find than the Green Chromis, their color is significantly more intense and their personality more refined. They provide a constant shimmering blue presence that is hard to match, making them a top-tier choice for high-end reef displays.
