Bicolour Chromis

Care

Bicolour Chromis are known from Christmas Island, north-western Australia, and across to the Line and Tuamoto Islands. Here they inhabit coastal and seaward mixed coral and algae reefs where they congregate in small groups, feeding on zooplankton, at depths between 2-20m (7-66ft). They are also found in lagoons and channels, but are much less abundant in such areas. These fishes are primarily black with a white caudal peduncle and caudal fin. The tail develops pretty double filaments to each tip. In an aquarium situation, Bicolour Chromis must be provided with a reef environment with plenty of nooks and crannies amongst the rockwork. Tankmates should be of a moderately peaceable nature, as unlike many other members of the damselfish family, these remain a relatively quiet species into adulthood. However,  they will show territorial aggression towards other Pomacentrid (damselfish) species so avoid housing them with other damsels unless you are blessed with a system of vast proportions. In an average sized aquarium housing a shoal of Bicolour Chromis, they should be considered the focal point of the tank and dominant, open water species such as large angelfish or tangs should be avoided if the Chromis are to flourish. It is best to keep Bicolour Chromis in groups of 6 or more due to their shoaling nature. The tank should be well mature before adding these fish, and the entire group should be introduced simultaneously. May also be seen on sale as Black and White Chromis. Very similar in appearance to a number of other monochrome Chromis species, including C. hanui, C. iomelas, C. leucurus, and C. pembae.

Feeding

Offer a varied diet consisting of small frozen foods such as Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp and finely chopped krill, plus marine flake food and herbivore rations. Feed small amounts 3 times per day. Enriching your frozen foods with liquid vitamin products prior to feeding will help your fish to retain their colours.

Breeding

The Bicolour Chromis has not been bred in the home aquarium. This species is said to form distinct pairs when breeding. The eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate, with the male fish guarding them until they hatch.