Chromis viridis

Green Schwalbenschwänzchen ( Chromis viridis)

The Green Schwalbenschwänzchen ( Chromis viridis, Syn Chromis caerulea ) is a Damselfish (Pomacentridae ).

The fish live (not in Hawaii) in the coral reefs of the tropical Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to the islands of Oceania.

They live in large flocks on bush -like stony corals, mostly of the genus Acropora, at depths of one to twelve meters. They are constantly engaged in the hunting of zooplankton. A scientific study has shown that the animals about every two seconds to receive a food particle. Immerse predator, such as a Hawkfish on, the animals flee between the coral branches. Once the danger has passed, it will first appear small, and later the large animals back to weiterzufressen. The Green Schwalbenschwänzchen is seven to nine inches long.

In Chromis viridis one male with several females from spawning in a cave. The males fan the eggs to fresh water and feed on dead. After two to three days, the larvae hatch, the first pelagic life before they leave as young fish to riffgebundenen life. The fish were bred already in the aquarium.

In the Meerwasseraquaristik the Green Schwalbenschwänzchen is a very popular ornamental fish, it is often offered. In contrast to many other reef fishes it is not too aggressive and can be kept in a small flock. However, it is not easy to maintain, because it is a time eater yes and his digestive system is not set to normally only two to three feedings a day. For improved posture an automatic feeder can daytime hourly give a small portion of food.

A similar type is the black armpit Schwalbenschwänzchen wearing a dark spot at the base of the pectoral fins.