Bahamas Blue Chromis

A Blue Chromis is one of the more colorful fish that you have a chance to see on Bahamas Snorkel Tours. This fish with its iridescent blue scales is a stand out in a crowd! Young Blue Chromis fish spend their days traveling together in large schools around a flourishing coral reef. Find out more about this remarkable fish that makes it home in tropical waters.

Habitat

A coral reef has many different formations that are perfect places for a Blue Chromis to hide. A reef supplies this beautiful fish with food and it's an ideal place for breeding. It also serves as shelter from predators. The scales of a Blue Chromis flash in the sunlight as they dart in and out of the crevices of a reef. This is one of the most enchanting sights for a visitor to see on Bahamas Snorkel Tours.

Life Span

A Blue Chromis is a small fish that is eaten by many different creatures who also live in tropical waters. In the wild, their lifespan is short because they are such easy prey. Some of their predators include the Trumpet Fish, the Bar Jack and the Yellow Fin Grouper. A Blue Chromis fish defends itself by hiding from predators or changing to a darker color to blend in with its surroundings. Interestingly, a Blue Chromis that lives in captivity may survive as long as five years without any predators to worry about!

Size

An adult Blue Chromis measures about 13 centimeters in length. They are oval with a dorsal fin and a tail that is forked. Younger fish measure about five or six centimeters in length.

Behavior

A male Blue Chromis defends its territory from other small fish by chasing them out or butting up against them. These little guys can be tough customers! They may even swim parallel to an intruder fish to prevent it from entering the territory. Female Blue Chromis are able to swim through various territories without being disturbed.

Fun Facts About the Blue Chromis

To attract the attention of females, the male Blue Chromis will swim in a zig-zagging pattern. This is sometimes called a, 'signal jump.'
The male of this species gets the nest ready for eggs and takes care of them while they are waiting to hatch.
Blue Chromis have a developed inner ear that allows them to hear and 'communicate.' They can also detect movement in the ocean's currents.
These fish eat by staying in one place, opening their mouths and allowing the plankton to flow in.
Blue Chromis live about 3 to 60 meters below the surface of the ocean.
Male Blue Chromis can change to one of five colors depending on whether it is mating season or there is a predator in the area.

So, choose Bahamas Snorkel Tours and find out all about the Blue Chromis and its interesting life in the Atlantic Ocean.