Vanderbilt Chromis

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 2"
• 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: Central Pacific, Cook Islands, Fiji
• Family: Pomacentridae   • Species: Chromis   • Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible

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Vanderbilt Chromis are found living in and about coral reefs throughout the central Indo-Pacific. In the wild they are found living in large schools of individuals that feed on zooplankton in the waters above the reef, and retreat to the safety of the coral reef when threatened by larger predatory fish species. Like most Chromis and Damselfish species, the Vanderbilt Chromis is an extremely hardy species that is suitable for beginning marine aquarium hobbyists.

The Vanderbilt Chromis does not have many specific care requirements other than clean water and the presence of some rock work to provide them a place to retreat to when they feel threatened. The Vanderbilt Chromis's attractive coloration along with their hardiness has made them a very popular aquarium species. Their popularity with hobbyists is increasing their availability at aquarium stores as retailers look to fill the demand for this popular Chromis species.

Vanderbilt Chromis do best in the home aquarium when they are kept in small groups and housed with tank mates that are peaceful to semi-aggressive in temperament. A suitable aquarium for this species should be at least 30 gallons in size, with a sand or crushed coral substrate, live rock and plenty of open swimming space.

A good amount of live rock is important for overall health of tank inhabitants and water quality; as well as, to provide security to the Vanderbilt Chromis who will spend most of their time interacting with each other while swimming around in the open as a group. They will utilize the live rock for emergency shelter and during the night, but mainly rely on each other for security.

They are very peaceful with other fish species, but will sometimes argue among themselves;however, they are much happier when kept as a group than as a single specimen or a pair. They can be housed with a wide variety of tank mates as long as they are not highly aggressive or territorial species that will harass or prey on them.

In the wild Vanderbilt Chromis feed on zooplankton that are found in large quantities just above the reef. In the home aquarium, they are very easy to feed and will readily accept a wide variety of live, frozen, freeze-dried, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, cyclop-eeze mysis shrimp, chopped krill, and blood worms as well as other prepared meaty marine foods in addition to their natural craving for amphipods, copepods, and other planktonic treats. They will also accept carnivore, omnivore, and herbivore pellets and flake foods. Feed 1 to 2 times per day the amount of food they will consume within 5 minutes.