Green Chromis

Chromis viridis


(47 Reviews)

Green Chromis
The Green Chromis displays stunning blue-green iridescent coloration and active mid-water swimming behavior. These hardy reef-safe fish thrive as single specimens in community tanks or in large schools when provided with appropriate space and social structure.

Green Chromis

Chromis viridis


(47 Reviews)

Free Shipping

With $199.00 or more in Marine Life.
More details...

Green Chromis Care Facts

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Max Size: 4 inches

Green Chromis (Chromis viridis): Vibrant Mid-Water Reef Fish

The Green Chromis, native to the Indo-Pacific region, flourishes in coral-rich coastal waters and displays stunning blue-green iridescent coloration that intensifies under proper aquarium lighting. These active mid-water swimmers make excellent additions to reef aquariums when their social requirements are accommodated.

Habitat and Reef Compatibility:

Originating from Indo-Pacific coral reefs, Green Chromis thrive in well-structured reef environments with ample swimming space and rockwork territories. They are completely reef-safe, showing no interest in corals or invertebrates, making them ideal for established reef systems.

Size, Lifespan, and Characteristics:

  • Adult Size: 3-4 inches maximum
  • Lifespan: 8-15 years with proper care
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal differences between males and females
  • Activity Level: Constant mid-water swimming and active feeding behavior

Social Behavior and Tank Requirements:

Green Chromis exhibit hierarchical social dynamics. Two approaches are successful:

Single Specimen Approach (30-40 gallons): Individual Green Chromis thrive in community reef tanks, often developing interactive personalities and integrating peacefully with diverse tank mates. This eliminates social stress while maintaining their vibrant activity.

Large School Approach (100+ gallons): For aquarists with spacious systems, schools of 8+ individuals can display natural schooling behavior when provided with extensive rockwork and proper territory establishment.

Note: Small groups (2-6 individuals) often experience social stress due to hierarchical dynamics and are not recommended regardless of tank size.

Diet and Feeding:

Green Chromis are planktivorous in nature, readily accepting:

  • High-quality marine pellets and flakes
  • Frozen mysis shrimp and enriched brine shrimp
  • Marine copepods and zooplankton
  • Feed 2-3 times daily in small portions for optimal health

Tank Requirements:

  • Single Specimen: 30-40 gallon minimum
  • School Setup: 100+ gallons with complex rockwork
  • Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.024-1.026, Temperature 74-78°F
  • Environment: Moderate flow with open swimming areas and hiding spots

Aquaculture Availability:

Green Chromis have been successfully bred in captivity but are primarily available as wild-caught specimens.

Compatible Tank Mates:

For Single Specimens: Clownfish, Cardinalfish, Royal Gramma, Fire Gobies, peaceful wrasses, and most reef-safe community fish.

For Schools: Large peaceful fish that occupy different water columns - tangs, large angelfish, bottom-dwelling species.

Coloration Development:

Juveniles display translucent green coloration that develops into vibrant blue-green iridescence with proper nutrition and lighting as they mature.

Ideal for: Reef aquarists seeking active, colorful fish who can accommodate either single specimen or large school requirements.


Reviewed by: Anies Henin on April 27, 2025


Reviewed by: Georgette Sullivan on April 7, 2025

Excellent Saltwaterfish.com are the best


Reviewed by: Glenis Austin on April 1, 2025

Doing great


Reviewed by: Jesse Gilley on March 30, 2025


Reviewed by: Jared Morgan on Feb. 12, 2025


Reviewed by: Orlando Cicilioni Jr Md on Feb. 5, 2025


Reviewed by: William Welch on Feb. 3, 2025


Reviewed by: Stephen Kovacs on Feb. 2, 2025


Reviewed by: Emmanuel Scigliano on Dec. 27, 2024


Reviewed by: Lawrence Peck on Dec. 23, 2024

Doing great and eating well.


Reviewed by: Mark Tillman on Nov. 27, 2024


Reviewed by: Mike Perdue on Oct. 31, 2024


Reviewed by: Mike Perdue on Oct. 28, 2024

Nice schooling fish in the reef.


Reviewed by: Timothy Thomas on Aug. 28, 2024

Such a pretty little fish. Arrived healthy and after a week doing fine.


Reviewed by: Autumn Mello on July 31, 2024


Reviewed by: Jeffrey Huth on July 3, 2024


Reviewed by: Bryan Steele on May 26, 2024


Reviewed by: Tiffany Nel on April 15, 2024


Reviewed by: Joshua Staats on April 14, 2024


Reviewed by: Jeremiah Campbell on April 3, 2024

I have six and they pretty much swim together all the time. They are peaceful and get along with my clowns just fine. They add great color and activity in the tank.


Reviewed by: Jason Richer on April 3, 2024

NICE MARINE


Reviewed by: Nicholas Calabria on April 1, 2024

Great quality


Reviewed by: Morris Charlton on March 27, 2024


Reviewed by: Scott Presley on March 25, 2024


Reviewed by: Thomas Gallagher on March 20, 2024

Very active swim around the tank a lot


Reviewed by: Jim Hauck on Feb. 28, 2024


Reviewed by: Daniel Gerecke on Feb. 25, 2024


Reviewed by: Jeffery Mona on Feb. 25, 2024


Reviewed by: Barbara Pinedo on Feb. 23, 2024


Reviewed by: Tim O'Shaughnessy on Jan. 31, 2024

I ordered 3 of these fish. Arrived healthy. Very active and beautiful fish.


Reviewed by: Nikki Shelton on Jan. 27, 2024

Healthy beautiful fish.


Reviewed by: Derek Meadows on Dec. 10, 2023


Reviewed by: Joseph Fortini on Dec. 6, 2023


Reviewed by: Mark Ernstrom on Nov. 19, 2023


Reviewed by: Robert Pilny on Oct. 31, 2023


Reviewed by: Jay Newell on Oct. 30, 2023


Reviewed by: Michelle Kuhn on Oct. 29, 2023


Reviewed by: Cedric Hills on Aug. 7, 2023


Reviewed by: David Orear on July 26, 2023


Reviewed by: Janice Ethridge on July 13, 2023

I bought 3 juveniles that were more green, but as they aged and received more frozen food, they turned blue. One of them will occasionally hide. Very peaceful and eager to eat.


Reviewed by: John Atella on June 7, 2022

Great addition to 28g Biocube reef tank. Very healthy and active. Add great color to coral tank.


Reviewed by: Lee Reynolds on Sept. 25, 2016

Great addition to any tank! The keep their color well as they get bigger. I have these in two different tanks and two different orders. First set is still thriving 3 years later!!


Reviewed by: Bill on Aug. 8, 2016

The fish was shipped extremely well, and it was a perfect addition to my reef tank. I acclimated according to the instructions, and I have had no problems with any of the fish I have received. What more can you ask for? Cheaper then my local fish store and it was delivered to my front door the next day.


Reviewed by: Josh on Feb. 7, 2016

I love the green chromis! They are very good with the other fish in the aquarium, and they love the baby brine shrimp!


Reviewed by: Kimberly Riedel on June 14, 2015

These are great fish. They acclimated very well. They are always out and swimming around. Their color changes under my lighting. Fun to watch.


Reviewed by: Kari Priborsky on April 13, 2015

The color of these make you fall in love. They are very peaceful. And as usual.. all of my order was healthy, well packaged, and shipped fast. I have great results with all my fish from Saltwaterfish.


Reviewed by: Lou on Aug. 4, 2014

Join the Club to Get Our Best Deals First!

Don't miss out - Sign up for our newsletter to know about exclusive deals and latest updates.

Our Deep Blue Seas Family of Brands: