All fish / Pomacentridae

Deep Blue Chromis

Chromis abyssus

Also known as deep blue chromis, abyss chromis, deepwater chromis

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A small damselfish from deep reef slopes, usually found below 100 metres, with blue colouring that darkens towards the rear and yellowish fins. It was only described in 2017, and advanced reef keepers seek it out as a rare deep-water fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Small group of 3 or more, or a single fish

Diet

Carnivore: mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods and quality marine pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Palau, Philippines and nearby deep reefs

Breeding

Like other chromis it probably lays eggs on a cleaned surface and the male guards them. It has not been bred in captivity yet.

Good to know

Deep-water fish need slow decompression after collection, so they are rarely available, costly and do best in cooler tanks with dim lighting. Check the identity carefully because it looks similar to other blue chromis species.