Bicolor Chromis

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 3"
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-80° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
• Diet: Omnivore   • Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Family: Pomacentridae   • Species: Chromis   • Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible

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Bicolor Chromis are a schooling fish species endemic to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific that are quite popular among beginning to advanced hobbyists due to their exceptional hardiness and peaceful personalities. Bicolor Chromis are very social and should be kept in groups of at least 5 individuals; where they will interact with each other providing each other with security and providing constant activity within their environment.

Bicolor Chromis are generally peaceful with other tank mates and conspecifics, but can become territorial towards other Chromis or Damsel species. Bicolor Chromis (Chromis margaritifer) are mainly black in coloration that changes to white at the rear ends of their anal and dorsal fins as well as their entire caudal fins; they are often confused with their Half-and-half Chromis (Chromis iomelas) relatives that are almost identical in coloration with the exception of being 50% black and 50% white, changing at their mid section between mouth and caudal fin. Although Bicolor Chromis are popular, they are not as readily available as some of their more common relatives.

Bicolor Chromis should be provided with an aquarium of 30 gallons or more with ample swimming space at the mid to upper levels as well as sand or crushed coral substrate and plenty of live rock for shelter. Being a diurnal species, they will hide within caves and crevices in the live rock at night and come out to swim around looking for planktonic or other foods during the day. They generally peaceful with other fish species, but should only be housed with other Chromis or Damsel species in very large systems as they can become territorial with similar species that aren't part of their own school. Overall, Bicolor Chromis can be housed with a wide variety of heterospecific tank mates that aren't highly aggressive bullies or overly territorial species.

Bicolor Chromis are omnivorous and stay around the surface looking for planktonic snacks within their natural environment. As aquarium inhabitants, they are not picky eaters and will readily accept a wide variety of live, frozen, freeze-dried, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, amphipods, copepods, chopped krill, and blood worms as well as other prepared seafood. They will also readily accept a wide range of quality pellets and flake foods for carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores. Feed 1 to 2 times per day.