Hai una foto? Identifica i pesci all'istante con l'app Fishby.
Apri l'appDescrizione
Chromis chromis, commonly known as the Damselfish or Castagnola Nera, is a small, schooling marine fish belonging to the family Pomacentridae. It is one of the most abundant fish species in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic waters. This species is characterized by its generally dark coloration, which can vary from dark brown to black, often with iridescent blue or purple hues, especially in juveniles. It plays a significant ecological role as a planktivore and a prey item for larger piscivorous fish.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- compressed
- Colorazione
- Adults are typically dark brown to black, sometimes with a purplish or bluish sheen, especially on the fins and head. Juveniles are often iridescent blue with a distinct black spot at the base of the caudal fin, which fades with age. The eyes are relatively large.
- Tipo di squame
- ctenoid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Small, oval-shaped body, laterally compressed., Forked caudal fin., Large eyes relative to head size., Dark, often iridescent coloration in adults; bright blue in juveniles.
- Pinna dorsale
- Single dorsal fin with 13-14 spines and 10-12 soft rays. The spiny and soft-rayed portions are continuous.
- Pinna caudale
- Deeply forked caudal fin, with pointed lobes.
- Pinna pettorale
- Well-developed pectoral fins, typically clear or slightly dusky.
- Pinne distintive
- Pelvic fins are located directly below the pectoral fins.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Coloration
Adults are uniformly dark brown to black, sometimes with a subtle blue or purple iridescence. Juveniles are bright iridescent blue with a prominent black spot at the base of the caudal fin.
Body Shape
Small, oval, and laterally compressed body with a deeply forked tail.
Schooling Behavior
Often observed in large, dense schools, particularly in mid-water above rocky substrates.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found from the surface down to 40 meters (130 feet), occasionally deeper to 70 meters (230 feet).
- Ambiente
- Prefers rocky reefs, seagrass beds (Posidonia oceanica), and areas with scattered rocks and boulders. Often found in sheltered bays and coastal waters. Forms large, active schools, especially juveniles.
- Areale geografico
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Portugal to the Canary Islands, and throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: intermediate
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Dieta: omnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 50 gallons
- Temperatura: 20-26°C (68-79°F)
- Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
- Durezza: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibilità: Generally compatible with other peaceful marine species. Can be kept in groups, but ensure adequate space to prevent territorial disputes, especially among males during breeding.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a well-established marine aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. Good water quality and strong filtration are essential. Benefits from a varied diet including high-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen foods like mysis shrimp and brine shrimp. Provide ample swimming space as they are active swimmers.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Spawning typically occurs from late spring to early autumn (May to September) in the Mediterranean. They are present year-round in their habitat.
- Prezzo di mercato: Low
- Importanza commerciale: low
- Sapore: Mild, slightly sweet
- Consistenza: Soft, flaky
- Metodi di cottura: Fried, Grilled, Baked
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though typically consumed in small quantities due to its size.
Fatti chiave
Mediterranean Abundanceinteresting
Chromis chromis is one of the most common and numerically dominant fish species in the Mediterranean Sea, playing a crucial role in its ecosystem.
Parental Carebehavior
Males of Chromis chromis exhibit strong parental care, guarding the eggs laid on rocky substrates until they hatch.
Color Changebehavior
Juvenile Chromis chromis are a striking iridescent blue, a coloration that changes to a darker brown or black as they mature, often losing the caudal spot.
Planktivorous Dietbehavior
This species primarily feeds on zooplankton in the water column, making it an important link in the marine food web.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Chromis chromis forms large, active schools, especially in mid-water, which provides protection from predators and aids in foraging efficiency.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions are required. They are not venomous and do not possess sharp spines that pose a significant threat. Handle gently if caught for release or aquarium transfer.
Specie simili
Azure Damselfish
Chrysiptera hemicyanea
While also blue, Chrysiptera hemicyanea has a distinct yellow tail and posterior body, and is found in the Indo-Pacific, not the Mediterranean.
Blue Damselfish
Pomacentrus alleni
Pomacentrus alleni is a vibrant blue but lacks the dark, almost black, adult coloration of Chromis chromis and is also an Indo-Pacific species.
Sergeant Major
Abudefduf saxatilis
The Sergeant Major has distinct vertical black and white/yellow bands, a much different coloration pattern than Chromis chromis, and is found in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Perciformes
- Famiglia
- Pomacentridae
- Genere
- Chromis
- Specie
- chromis
Esplora Damselfish
Identifica pesci ovunque
Gratis su iOS, Android e Web. Identificazione tramite foto, dettagli completi sulle specie e molto altro.