{"product_id":"blue-reef-chromis-chromis-cyaneus","title":"Blue Reef Chromis","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Reef Chromis (\u003cem\u003eAzurina cyanea\u003c\/em\u003e, formerly \u003cem\u003eChromis cyanea\u003c\/em\u003e) is a brilliant Caribbean saltwater fish prized for its intense electric-blue coloration and active, open-water swimming behavior. Its streamlined body can appear cobalt, turquoise, or deep blue depending on the aquarium lighting, with dark edging along portions of the dorsal and tail fins adding contrast. Unlike many damselfish, this species is generally peaceful and works especially well in community reef displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Western Atlantic, the Blue Reef Chromis occurs from Bermuda and southern Florida through the Bahamas and Caribbean. In nature, adults gather above outer reefs where they feed on zooplankton in the water column, retreating quickly into coral and rocky crevices when threatened. This combination of open-water activity and schooling behavior gives the species excellent movement and visual impact in a marine aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy once established, coral safe, and typically accepting of prepared foods, the Blue Reef Chromis is suitable for both reef aquariums and peaceful fish-only aquariums. It may be kept singly, although a properly sized aquarium can accommodate a group and better showcase its natural social behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore \/ Planktivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Atlantic — Bermuda, southern Florida, Bahamas, and Caribbean\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAzurina cyanea\u003c\/em\u003e (formerly \u003cem\u003eChromis cyanea\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 55-gallon or larger established saltwater aquarium provides appropriate swimming room for the adult Blue Reef Chromis, particularly when maintaining more than one individual. This is an active open-water species that benefits from horizontal swimming space rather than an aquarium packed completely with rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide substantial live rock arranged with caves, crevices, and overhangs where the fish can retreat when startled or resting. Maintain plenty of unobstructed water column above and around the reef structure for normal swimming and feeding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong reef-style water movement is appropriate and helps create the well-oxygenated environment associated with its natural outer-reef habitat. No specialized substrate is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGroups require additional space because social hierarchies can develop in captivity. A larger aquarium with multiple retreat areas and broken lines of sight helps reduce persistent chasing between individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA securely covered aquarium is recommended, particularly during acclimation or when introducing new tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, the Blue Reef Chromis feeds extensively on zooplankton, with copepods making up an important portion of its natural diet. In captivity, it usually adapts readily to a varied selection of prepared marine foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine seafood, frozen plankton blends, quality marine pellets or flakes, and balanced omnivore preparations. Foods containing marine algae can also be included as part of a varied diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause this species naturally feeds repeatedly from the water column, one to two small feedings per day are appropriate, with more frequent small portions beneficial when practical. Distribute food through the water column so all members of a group have an opportunity to feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Reef Chromis is generally peaceful and is significantly less territorial than many traditional damselfish. It mixes well with a broad range of community marine fish, including clownfish, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, peaceful wrasses, tangs, anthias, and other non-predatory species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt may be kept singly or in a group. When maintaining several individuals, introduce them together when possible and provide ample swimming room and numerous retreat areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough commonly described as a schooling or shoaling fish, groups maintained in aquariums can develop a social hierarchy. Dominant individuals may occasionally chase weaker members, particularly in smaller tanks or groups with limited hiding space. Monitor grouped specimens for persistent harassment or individuals that stop feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping this peaceful species with highly aggressive damselfish, large predatory fish, or tankmates that continually prevent it from feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Reef Chromis is considered \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e. It does not normally consume or damage SPS corals, LPS corals, soft corals, clams, or ornamental reef invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts natural feeding behavior is focused primarily on small planktonic organisms suspended in the water rather than sessile reef animals. It can therefore be maintained confidently in established mixed reef systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts bright coloration and tendency to swim above the rockwork make it particularly effective for adding visible movement to the upper and middle portions of a reef aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain stable, well-oxygenated seawater and avoid sudden changes in temperature, salinity, or other major parameters. Consistency is more important than targeting one exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults can reach approximately 5–6 inches and benefit from substantial open swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGroups can develop a dominance hierarchy, so watch for persistent chasing or weaker individuals being excluded from food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide caves and crevices within the rockwork so fish can retreat quickly when startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet rich in small planktonic and meaty foods closely matches the species’ natural feeding habits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe species is coral safe and generally compatible with ornamental invertebrates, making it an excellent choice for reef aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"T (\u003c.75\")","offer_id":52301701415210,"sku":"DAMxBRefT","price":41.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"S (.76-1\")","offer_id":53317789352234,"sku":"DAMxBRefS","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM (1.1-1.5\")","offer_id":53317789385002,"sku":"DAMxBRefSM","price":41.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M (1.6-2\")","offer_id":53317789417770,"sku":"DAMxBRefM","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML (2.1-2.5\")","offer_id":53317789450538,"sku":"DAMxBRefML","price":47.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L (2.6-3\")","offer_id":53317789483306,"sku":"DAMxBRefL","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (3.1-3.5\")","offer_id":53317789516074,"sku":"DAMxBRefX","price":65.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-fish-blue-reef-chromis-1257022430.jpg?v=1790006115","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/blue-reef-chromis-chromis-cyaneus","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}