All fish / Pomacentridae

Oval Chromis

Chromis ovalis

Also known as oval chromis, hawaiian chromis, oval damselfish, chromis ovalis, 卵形光鳃鱼

The Oval Chromis is a deep-bodied damselfish endemic to Hawaii. Adults are olive brown to greyish with a yellowish tint, while juveniles are a striking blue and yellow. It is kept as a hardy, fairly peaceful open-water schooling fish for large reef tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

400 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more in a large tank

Diet

Omnivore: zooplankton feeder; mysis, brine shrimp, copepods, quality marine flakes and pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll, Central Pacific

Breeding

Males prepare a nest on rock, where females lay sticky eggs that the male guards until they hatch. The larvae are pelagic and tiny, so rearing them in home aquariums is rarely achieved.

Good to know

It is one of the larger chromis species and needs plenty of swimming room. Juveniles lose their bright colours as they grow, and Hawaiian collection rules can limit supply.