Vanderbilt Chromis

Vanderbilt Chromis, also known as Chromis vanderbilti, is a stunning marine fish species. They are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any saltwater aquarium.

Appearance

The Vanderbilt Chromis, Chromis vanderbilti, is a small, colourful fish that grows up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length. It has a bright blue body with a yellow tail and a black spot at the base of the pectoral fin. This fish is often confused with the Blue Reef Chromis (Chromis cyaneus), which has a similar appearance but lacks the black spot.

Natural Habitat

The Vanderbilt Chromis is found in the Western Pacific Ocean, typically in coral reefs at depths of 10-80 feet (3-24 m). It prefers areas with a lot of water movement, such as the edges of reefs or in areas with strong currents. These fish can be found in groups or pairs.

Keeping the Vanderbilt Chromis Healthy

The Vanderbilt Chromis is a relatively hardy fish and is easy to care for. It requires a well-established aquarium with good water quality and a varied diet consisting of high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. This fish prefers a temperature range of 75-80°F (24-27°C) and a pH of 8.1-8.4.

Special Requirements and Feeding

The Vanderbilt Chromis requires a varied diet consisting of high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. This fish also enjoys live foods such as brine shrimp and copepods. It is important to feed this fish small amounts several times a day rather than one large feeding to prevent overeating and the associated health problems.

How Many Should I Keep?

The Vanderbilt Chromis is a shoaling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six individuals. In smaller aquariums, pairs can also be kept. It is important to provide plenty of hiding places and open swimming areas for these fish.

Lighting Preference

The Vanderbilt Chromis prefers moderate to high lighting levels, as it is found in shallow waters on reefs.

Suitable Tank Mates

The Vanderbilt Chromis is a peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful fish such as clownfish, gobies, and tangs. It is best to avoid keeping this fish with aggressive or larger fish, as it may become intimidated and stressed.

Breeding Chromis vanderbilti

The Vanderbilt Chromis has not been successfully bred in captivity, and little is known about its breeding habits in the wild.

Sexual Dimorphism

There is no visible sexual dimorphism in the Vanderbilt Chromis.

Distribution

The Vanderbilt Chromis is found in the Western Pacific Ocean, primarily in the waters around Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. This fish is not commonly found in the aquarium trade and is usually only available as a captive-bred or line-bred strain.

Summary

The Vanderbilt Chromis is a small, colourful fish that is relatively easy to care for. It requires a varied diet, a well-established aquarium, and should be kept in groups of at least six individuals. This fish prefers moderate to high lighting levels and can be kept with other peaceful fish. Although it has not been successfully bred in captivity, it is sometimes available as a captive-bred or line-bred strain.