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Blue Green Chromis
BeginnerChromis atripectoralis
A schooling damselfish shining pale blue-green. Peaceful and affordable, most classic beginner saltwater.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
24〜26℃
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
5-8cm
Diet
Pellets, Frozen food
About
The black-axil chromis (Chromis atripectoralis) is a small damselfish found on reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific. It closely resembles the blue-green chromis but is told apart by the dark blotch at the pectoral fin base. Its pale blue-green sheen looks its best under aquarium lighting, and adults stay at 5-8 cm. In the wild it shoals above branching corals such as Acropora and dives into the branches when threatened. In the tank a group looks far better than a single fish, so five or more are usually introduced together. It is peaceful, reef-safe and takes prepared foods easily, which has kept it a standard beginner marine fish for decades. As the group matures a pecking order forms and subordinate fish can be chased, so provide plenty of cover.
Lifespan of the Blue Green Chromis
The Blue Green Chromis lives 5-8 years.
Size of the Blue Green Chromis
The Blue Green Chromis grows to 5-8cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Blue Green Chromis
The ideal temperature for the Blue Green Chromis is 24〜26℃.
Basic Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
5-8cm
Temperature
24〜26℃
Diet
Pellets, Frozen food
Care Guide
Water Temperature & Quality
Keep the water at 24–26°C and specific gravity around 1.023–1.025. It is hardy and beginner-friendly, but keep fluctuations small.
Tank Mates & Compatibility
Peaceful and reef-safe. Adding five or more at once gives a natural-looking school.
Housing
In the wild they school above branching corals and dart between the branches when threatened. A pecking order forms as they grow, so provide plenty of hiding places.
Diet & Feeding
Easy to wean onto prepared food, and also takes frozen food. Adults are only 5–8cm, so small food is sufficient.
Blue GreenBlue-greenSchoolingMost classic
Blue Green Chromis FAQ
QHow difficult is it to keep Blue Green Chromis?
A
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Blue Green Chromis?
A
The ideal temperature for Blue Green Chromis is 24〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Blue Green Chromis?
A
The average lifespan of Blue Green Chromis is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
QHow large does Blue Green Chromis get?
A
Blue Green Chromis typically reaches 5-8cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
QWhat should I feed Blue Green Chromis?
A
Blue Green Chromis feeds on: Pellets, Frozen food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
QWhat is the typical price for Blue Green Chromis?
A
The price of Blue Green Chromis varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Care Specifications
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Water Temp.
- 24–26℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.02–1.025
- Salinity
- 33–35 ppt
- Min. Tank
- 114 L
PeacefulReef safeGroup
Sources: LiveAquaria
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Ministry of the Environment Specified Animal List / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Blue Green Chromis Listings
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🩺 Common diseases
Coral BleachingRapid Tissue NecrosisBrown Jelly DiseaseFlatworm InfestationRed Slime (Cyanobacteria)Tissue Recession (Polyp Recession)Nudibranch PredationAlkalinity Burn (KH Burn)Marine Ich / CryptocaryoniasisMarine Velvet / AmyloodiniosisBrooklynelliasis / Clownfish DiseaseHead and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE)