Green Damselfish, Chromis Viridis
- Scientific name: Chromis viridis
- Common name: Green Damsel, castanet fish, Green Maiden
- Aquarium size: 200 liters
- Temperament: Territorial with the same species
- Temperature: Between 23º and 28ºC
- pH: Between 8.2 and 8.4
- Diet: Omnivores
- Length: 8 cms
Description
The green damsel fish or chromis viridis , belongs to the pomacentrids family , it is a marine fish in the same family as the clownfish .
It receives other common names, such as castanet fish or green maiden fish, in any case, it is still the same species.
It is a very popular marine fish because it has a reputation for being quite easy to care for , as well as being a resistant fish, ideal for those who start with their aquarium of marine species.
Morphology
Its size ranges between 6 and 8 centimeters. Its name, green damsel, is due to the fact that its coloration is light green, with certain bluish touches, although during its growth, the coloration goes through different phases.
The body of the chromis viridis is laterally compressed and oval in shape.
A certain sexual dimorphism is appreciated in the breeding season, in which the male takes on a yellowish color.
Distribution and habitat
The chromis viridis fish is native to the Indian and Pacific oceans . It can be found on the east coast of Africa, on the Great Barrier Reef and in New Caledonia.
It lives in shallow marine waters of up to twenty meters, close to the coast, sheltered by corals.
Aquarium conditions
The aquarium to enjoy the green damsel, must have a capacity of about 200 liters. The water must be well filtered and oxygenated, with a temperature between 23º to 28ºC, a pH of 8.2 to 8.4 and a salt density between 1023 and 1025.
For the castanet fish to be in good condition, its natural habitat must be reproduced , including rocks in which to leave cavities, which can serve as a refuge.
Aquarium decoration
- Best aquarium sand
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Diet
It is an omnivorous fish that feeds on phytoplankton in the wild. In the aquarium it is perfectly adapted to receive dry flake or granulated feed. The diet should be supplemented with algae, brine shrimp and small frozen crustaceans.
Everything you need to maintain your aquarium
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Behavior and compatibility
The green damsel is a peaceful fish , which tends to perform well compared to other species.
They are gregarious fish, it is necessary to put a small group, on the condition that if the aquarium is not very big, put only one male, because they are very territorial. Each male mates with several females.
It is usually recommended to introduce all the fish in their juvenile stage, to improve harmony and avoid problems between species.
Reproduction
The reproduction of the green damsel is possible within aquariums.
- The chromis viridis, carries out its breeding in sand and rubble bottoms, although it can also lay its eggs in the gaps between the rocks.
- The males prepare the nest for spawning that they will share with several females.
- The males are in charge of protecting the nest, keeping the nest ventilated and protecting the fertilized eggs with their tail fins.
- The fertilized eggs hatch after two or three days.
- The fingerlings must be provided with a special diet, based on phytoplankton.
Tips
The green damselfish is a suitable fish for all those who, with little experience, want to maintain a marine aquarium.
There are only a few rules to follow, such as keeping castanets in a small group, in which there will only be one dominant male and three or four females.
It is suitable for a community marine aquarium, and for an invertebrate aquarium.