Blue-green Chromis
Chromis viridis
Blue-green Chromis is a small Indo-Pacific damselfish common on outer reef slopes and lagoon drop-offs, usually schooling above branching corals. It is an omnivore that picks zooplankton from the water column and is popular in aquaria rather than as a sport fish.
Identification points
- Bright blue to blue-green body with a slight greenish sheen
- Dark blotch on the upper base of the pectoral fin and a dusky rear dorsal area
- Tall, laterally compressed damselfish profile with a deeply forked tail
Habitat
Shallow tropical coral reefs, especially protected lagoons, reef crests, and outer slopes with branching Acropora and other complex coral cover; typically forms loose to dense schools a meter or more above the reef.
Bait notes
Not a target species for angling and is rarely, if ever, fished intentionally. It is mainly taken incidentally with tiny hooks, planktonic-sip style baits, or in collecting contexts; live or cut bait is not practical for normal sport fishing.
Behavior
Day-active schooling planktivore that hovers in the current and darts up to intercept drifting zooplankton. It retreats quickly into coral heads when threatened and is generally non-territorial outside breeding behavior.
Caution
Reef-associated tropical fish; consumption is not commonly advised because of tiny size and potential reef-fish toxin concerns in some regions. Handle gently to avoid injuring delicate fins and never fish on living coral.
Fishing notes
If encountered incidentally around reef structure, use very small terminal tackle and avoid heavy pressure that can damage coral or cause loss. Most practical guidance is observation or aquarium collection rather than recreational fishing.