Black Bar Chromis - Medium

Black Bar Chromis

The Black Bar Chromis coloration varies from yellow to tan, with a vertical black stripe that separates the body and tail.

They are usually found in coral-rich areas in lagoons or coastal reefs and don’t venture too far from the shelter of coral.

Black Bar Chromis reproduce with the female scattering her eggs over a nesting site prepared by the male. The site is known as an algae mat, the male will fertilize the eggs by rubbing his genital papillae on the algae mat, then guard the nest against predators.

Black bar Chromis can reach a total length of 6 centimeters (2 in). Its’ lifespan in an aquarium is up to 20 years.

Also known as the Black Bar Puller, the Chromis is native to the Western Pacific. Its’ distribution spreads from Indonesia to Fiji, incorporating the Philippines, the Ryukyu Islands in the north, New Caledonia in the south, the northern Great barrier Reef, and Fiji Islands. There have also been recent recordings around Tonga.

Tank Recommendations for Black Bar Chromis

Keep Black Bar Chromis in a tank that is 113 liters (30 gallons) or larger.

A tank that contains coral and plenty of live rock for sheltering and hiding. This will also reduce aggression between the Chromis and their tank buddies.

Suitable Tank Buddies

You can keep Black Bar Chromis in pairs or small groups. If you are keeping them in groups introduce them together. They are compatible with a variety of fish.

Usually Compatible

You can keep these fish with Angelfish, Anthias, Basslets, Blennies, Boxfish, Cardinals, and Clownfish.

Sometime Compatible

Housing Black Bar Chromis with semi-aggressive fish will cause problems in smaller tanks. In larger tanks as long as the Chromis have somewhere to hide this isn't usually a problem. Be careful when housing Chromis with Batfish.

Rarely Compatible

Anglers, Frogfish, aggressive fish, and larger fish that can swallow them whole aren't good tank mate choices.

In Nano tanks if they cohabit with a goby they may kill it, if they share with a semi-aggressive fish like a Dottyback, the Chromis may end up being killed. Also, avoid co-habiting with seahorses and pipefish as the Chromis will outcompete them for food.

Feeding Your Black Bar Chromis

Black bar Chromis are omnivorous. They will eat meaty food such as chopped fish, krill. They also appreciate live food like brine shrimp and mysis shrimp.

It is best to give them a varied diet in an aquarium so you should also include flake for herbivores, ideally with spirulina included. Feed them at least 3 times a day in an aquarium setting.