Fish
Mediterranean Chromis
Chromis chromis
Over a rocky Mediterranean reef, a cloud of dark chromis hangs in the water, with a scattering of electric-blue juveniles flashing among them.
Overview
The Mediterranean chromis, Chromis chromis, is a Least Concern damselfish of rocky reefs and seagrass edges across the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic. Its huge shoals, blue juveniles, and guarding males make it one of the most abundant and visible fish on Mediterranean reefs.
The Mediterranean’s damselfish
Most damselfish live on tropical coral reefs, but the Mediterranean chromis has made a home in the cooler waters of the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and abundant.
Mediterranean Chromis: common questions
Is the Mediterranean chromis a damselfish?
Yes, it is a Mediterranean member of the damselfish family, living in cooler waters than most of its tropical relatives.
Why are young chromis blue?
Juveniles are an intense electric blue, a colour they lose as they mature into dark brown adults.
Who guards the eggs?
The male clears a patch of rock, attracts females to lay eggs, and guards the eggs until they hatch.
Where is the Mediterranean chromis found?
It lives on rocky reefs and the edges of seagrass beds in the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic.