Chromis Agilis MED

Chromis Agilis, also known as the Agile Chromis, is a Damselfish species in the genus Chromis.

A school of Agile Chromis will instantly transform any large fish-only or reef aquarium into a showpiece.

The Agile Chromis has a majestic, golden yellow body colour. This serves as the ideal backdrop for highlighting the exhilarating violet pink flashes around the mouth.

It has a high squarish body with a large black spot at the base of the pectoral fin and two small dark streaks on the operculum. Dorsal and anal fins have fine blue margins.

It prefers clear lagoons and seaward reefs, where it can be found in loose aggregations near caves and ledges. It is frequently found over branching corals and along leeward coasts. It is oviparous, with males guarding and aerating the eggs.

It's habitat in the Indian Ocean stretches from the Maldives to the Chagos Archipelago, Seychelles, Madagascar, and the Comoro Islands. It is also found along the East African coast between Shimoni, Kenya and Bazaruto and Mozambique.

Tank Recommendations for Chromis Agilis

When kept as a single individual, they can usually thrive in aquariums as small as 40 gallons (151 litre). This provided they share the aquarium with non-threatening fish. If the Chromis will be sharing the aquarium with fish larger than itself, consider increasing the size of the aquarium.

A small shoal of six to eight individuals of a schooling species can thrive in a traditional four-foot-long, 75-gallon (284 litre) aquarium, provided the fish have access to enough food. Consider that a shoal of this size should be the aquarium's focal point, with the remaining residents being a less dominant species.

Damselfish are frequently given to hobbyists as their first fish to place in a newly set-up aquarium. This is often the first step backwards that a hobbyist takes. As the Damselfish's belligerent personality makes it nearly impossible to add more fish in the future.

For this reason it's likely that this damsel will be the first fish that the new hobbyist attempts to catch. This can prove a near-impossible task for even the most seasoned veteran.

Chromis, on the other hand, are a perfect fit for the 'first fish' role. They are nearly as bulletproof as their cousins but lack the bravado that is so common in other Damselfish.

The hardy Agile Chromis has a peaceful demeanour and is easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for both new and experienced aquarists.

This Chromis prefers setups with open areas for swimming but plenty of hiding places.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Chromis can be successfully kept in a home aquarium if a few basic requirements are met. Unlike their Damselfish cousins, who generally require aggressive tankmates, Chromis is the polar opposite. Tankmates needed for other Pomacentridae would undoubtedly bother or harass Chromis.

The Agile Chromis will generally ignore other fish, invertebrates, or corals; however, some may exhibit territorial behaviour toward their own species or similar-sized fish. The Agile Chromis should be kept in small groups of three or more odd-numbered fish. House in appropriately sized tanks with peaceful tank mates.

Usually Compatible

These Chromis will thrive in an aquarium where they are the dominant member(s). You can also house them alongside a few less aggressive species for example Angels(dwarf) Anthias, Basslets/Pseudochromis, Blennies, Boxfish, Clownfish,Crustaceans, Dragonettes Goatfish Gobies Hawkfish Hogfish parrot fish Puffers, Wrasses and Live corals

Sometime Compatible

They will thrive in the absence of large fish, such as adult Angelfish or Surgeonfish. The presence of larger fish will not necessarily doom the Chromis, but it will make them work harder to obtain enough food. It will also likely discourage natural shoaling, with the Chromis preferring to stay closer to the rockwork.

These fish are sometimes compatible with Anglerfish/Frogfish, Batfish, Butterflyfish, Cardinalfish, Damselfish, fancy Damselfish Filefish, Grunts, Rays Squrrelfish Triggerfish. .

Rarely Compatible

Predatory fish and predatory invertebrates, such as Ophiarachna species, should be avoided when selecting tankmates because Chromis can be an easy target. Chromis has no effect on corals or mobile invertebrates.

They are likely to become a meal ticket for Sharks, Scorpionfish, also Groupers, Eels and Lionfish are rarely compatible.

Feeding your Chromis Agilis

An important consideration for Chromis is food. In the wild, they are active fish that are constantly feeding. Their natural instinct to consume food from the water column usually results in a fish eager to accept prepared foods.

Aquarists can expect their newly arrived Chromis to consume prepared foods in as little as a day to three days. This may well happen the same day they are added. Any prepared foods geared toward carnivorous marine fish will suffice as a replacement for their natural diet.

The type of food to feed is simple; the quantity to feed is a more difficult question to answer. Much of the answer is dependent on the specific aquarium in which the fish are housed. Small aquariums or aquariums with a small amount of planktonic life will require more frequent feedings than larger aquariums with a large amount of planktonic life. Unless the aquarium is supplying a portion of their diet, a safe median to aim for would be three feedings per day.

The Agile Chromis' diet should be varied, with meaty items, herbivore flakes, and frozen preparations. Vitamin-rich foods may also aid in the preservation of skin colour.