Can't keep chromis

[Raptor72]

I have not been able to keep a small school of chromis no matter how many times I buy them. This last time I bought 3 huge ones at SEA that were about an inch and a quarter size. One by one, I would find them dead in the same corner, with my CUC doing their job.

Is it possible that a Torch Coral in that corner could be taking them out? That's the only thing I can think of. Everything else is softies. Fish in there are a Yellow Tang, Hippo Tang, Malanarus Wrasse, Occelaris clowns, Lawnmower Blenny. No one appears to pick on them during the day. Stumped.

 

[aquaph8]

Mine have always taken each other out

 

[brettinteriors]

I too stay away from chromis for that reason. I have had luck with, and know a few other locals with evansi anthias as a schooling fish. They seem to be much easier to care for than other anthias and chromis.

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[galkito]

I have 4 in my 110g for more than a year. They fight a bit but nothing much..

 

[Dangerwill]

I have 2 that do great but I started with 6 and when i was down to 3 bought 3 more and only the original 2 survive.

 

[scubabum1983]

Chromis are hard, the survival rate is not great as a whole, I have had similar results, I get one or two out of 6 that do great, I buy 3 more and one of the three survives, care in choosing the Chromis helps, I look for Chromis that aren't discolored and have all their scales in tact, damaged scales mean a compromised slime coat at some point. If the slime coat is compromised during transit and holding the fish is already stressed and odds are it will be sick or get sick soon. My best long term fish have been hand caught fish vs net bulk caught chromis. After selection and acclimation in my tank I feed heavy with cyclopese and phyto to fatten the fish back up. Hope it helps. You aren't alone in your frustration with these fish.

 

[Raptor72]

I have a runt chromis (about dime size) that my daughter named Peanut. This one has outlived about 3 different batches of purchased chromis. That's it for my chromis experience.

 

[gaetyn]

Chromis have an extremely high energy level which in turn causes them to have a high metabolism. This means that they are constant feeders and must eat frequently in order to stay healthy. The typical hobbyist feeds 1 to 3 times daily. This is not enought to maintain the health of those wonderfull little chromis. Most Eventually die of malnutrition and starvation. You can be more successful if you break up the feedings to 5 or 6 small ones through the day. That way they get a more constant source of nourishment to sustain them.

 

[Raptor72]

They're lucky if they get fed twice! No room in this tank for prima donnas.

 

[Big Jay D]

My fish are lucky to get fed 3 times a week. lol Still fat and happy though. I do feed seaweed on off days though.