Chromis

[AJ1080]

I've been looking into some chromis and was curious about the yellow chromis and chromis in general.

First question, Ive read that they should be kept in small groups. At the same time I've also read that some may start being agressive towards each other. What are the recommended numbers to be kept together?

Also are the yellows any more agressive than the greens?

Thank you,

 

[cl800]

I currently have 7 blue green reef chromis in my tank. Over the years, that number has varied between 4 and 12. When the population drops down to around four, I usually start thinking about picking up another 6 or 8 to replenish.

One thing I've noticed about them is that when the group population is stable, all the chromis appear closely matched in size. When I last added a half dozen new chromis, two of them were significantly smaller than the rest. They were gone within a few days. I notice that the small ones seem more timid and are often picked on by the larger chromis. As such, they get less to eat during feedings as they spend much of their time hiding. The weak just get weaker until they die.

These are just my observations, fwiw.

 

[AJ1080]

Thanks CL,

Good to know. I would probably keep around 3.

In terms of agressiveness does anyone have any experience with Black Bar Chromis? I was told they dont bother anything, only to turn and watch one chasing and nipping at a school of blue/green chromis. Almost reminded me too much of the damsel I just removed!

 

[nanoreefer1000]

Yellow chromis? Never heard of them, are you sure your not misidentifying this yellow chromis with the yellow damselfish (Amblyglyphidodon aureus)?http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+28+132&pcatid=132

 

[btkrausen]

I currently have 7 blue green reef chromis in my tank. Over the years, that number has varied between 4 and 12. When the population drops down to around four, I usually start thinking about picking up another 6 or 8 to replenish.

One thing I've noticed about them is that when the group population is stable, all the chromis appear closely matched in size. When I last added a half dozen new chromis, two of them were significantly smaller than the rest. They were gone within a few days. I notice that the small ones seem more timid and are often picked on by the larger chromis. As such, they get less to eat during feedings as they spend much of their time hiding. The weak just get weaker until they die.

These are just my observations, fwiw.

Curious on this one...so what you are saying is that you let them kill each other off until they dwindle down to a number below you like and then you go pick up more to allow it to happen again? Maybe I'm reading that incorrectly.

 

[Rockys_Pride]

Thanks CL,

Good to know. I would probably keep around 3.

In terms of agressiveness does anyone have any experience with Black Bar Chromis? I was told they dont bother anything, only to turn and watch one chasing and nipping at a school of blue/green chromis. Almost reminded me too much of the damsel I just removed!

that's because chromis are damsels

 

[AJ1080]

Yellow chromis? Never heard of them, are you sure your not misidentifying this yellow chromis with the yellow damselfish (Amblyglyphidodon aureus)?http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+28+132&pcatid=132

you nailed it. Thank you for saving me from making another mistake!

 

[EnderG60]

I had 35 at one point, 2 years later im down to 6 now. Gonna get another 20 soon.

 

[cl800]

Curious on this one...so what you are saying is that you let them kill each other off until they dwindle down to a number below you like and then you go pick up more to allow it to happen again? Maybe I'm reading that incorrectly.

I can't speak to whether or not you're reading that correctly, but I suppose one reads what they want to read in much the same way as one hears what they want to hear.

As far as me "letting" them kill one another, I would not presume to possess the powers capable of telling them to play nice with one another. I don't "allow" this to happen any more than I "allow" my cat to bring home a bird once in a while.

 

[btkrausen]

I can't speak to whether or not you're reading that correctly, but I suppose one reads what they want to read in much the same way as one hears what they want to hear.

As far as me "letting" them kill one another, I would not presume to possess the powers capable of telling them to play nice with one another. I don't "allow" this to happen any more than I "allow" my cat to bring home a bird once in a while.

My point is that you KNOW they are going to kill each other off yet you continue to add more after they do so to start the process over again?

 

[niki000]

Thanks CL,

Good to know. I would probably keep around 3.

In terms of agressiveness does anyone have any experience with Black Bar Chromis? I was told they dont bother anything, only to turn and watch one chasing and nipping at a school of blue/green chromis. Almost reminded me too much of the damsel I just removed!

I have a blackbar chromis, he's peaceful to the other fish in my tank though I haven't seem him interact with other chromis' or fish much smaller than him. They are not at all like the damsels I've had in the past.

 

[cl800]

My point is that you KNOW they are going to kill each other off yet you continue to add more after they do so to start the process over again?

Read that post again. I don't "KNOW" that this will happen at all. I just know that there is the possibility.

 

[Turbo snail]

Chromis do best in big groups. I would suggest getting a minimum of 7, although closer to 10-12 is best. In groups that are smaller than that there tends to be one individual who becomes dominant and bullies the others to death relatively quickly. Not sure if that holds true for the yellow damsel, but I know that it has been accurate in my experiences with green/blue chromis.