Bo Davidsson, Schweden
Info
Chromis xanthura (Bleeker, 1854)
Chromis is probably the most species-rich genus of damselfish (Pomacentridae). In German, these fish are often referred to as Schwalbenschwänzchen (swallowtails).They are (at least in the sea) schooling fish that live in tropical and subtropical coral reefs in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, usually at depths of around 15-20 metres. Only a few go significantly deeper.
With a size of up to 15 cm, Chromis xanthura is one of the larger reef fish.
Chromis xanthura comes in different colour variations, which depend on their size and origin. Juvenile animals are slate grey to a shiny metallic blue with a bright orange/yellow tail. Adult fish are dark grey to black and usually have a white tail.
They feed on zooplankton swimming by in the sea.
Adult fish are found on steep outer reef slopes and in shallow coastal reefs. They sometimes form large aggregations and feed on zooplankton several metres above the sea floor. Juveniles remain close to shelters.
Synonymised names
Chromis xanthurus (Bleeker, 1854) · unaccepted
Heliases xanthurus Bleeker, 1854 · unaccepted
Chromis is probably the most species-rich genus of damselfish (Pomacentridae). In German, these fish are often referred to as Schwalbenschwänzchen (swallowtails).They are (at least in the sea) schooling fish that live in tropical and subtropical coral reefs in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, usually at depths of around 15-20 metres. Only a few go significantly deeper.
With a size of up to 15 cm, Chromis xanthura is one of the larger reef fish.
Chromis xanthura comes in different colour variations, which depend on their size and origin. Juvenile animals are slate grey to a shiny metallic blue with a bright orange/yellow tail. Adult fish are dark grey to black and usually have a white tail.
They feed on zooplankton swimming by in the sea.
Adult fish are found on steep outer reef slopes and in shallow coastal reefs. They sometimes form large aggregations and feed on zooplankton several metres above the sea floor. Juveniles remain close to shelters.
Synonymised names
Chromis xanthurus (Bleeker, 1854) · unaccepted
Heliases xanthurus Bleeker, 1854 · unaccepted
