Black-Bar Chromis (Chromis retrofasciata)
Fish in the family Pomacentridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
A small, robust damselfish with a bright yellow or olive-green body and distinctive black vertical bars (typically 3–5) running across the sides. The head is often darker than the body, and the fins display a greenish or yellowish tint. This species is easily distinguished from similar chromis by its bold barred pattern and compact body shape.
Diet and feeding
In the aquarium, Black-Bar Chromis should be fed a varied diet of small meaty foods (mysis shrimp, finely chopped silversides) and high-quality flake or micro-pellet foods. Supplement with occasional vegetable matter or spirulina-based foods.
Difficulty and care for the Black-Bar Chromis
Moderately challenging. While hardy, Black-Bar Chromis can be territorial and aggressive toward conspecifics and similarly sized fish, particularly as they mature. They require stable water conditions and careful tank mate selection, but are otherwise resilient once established.
Common health issues
Velvet disease, ich (white spot disease), bacterial infections from aggression wounds
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from Indonesia eastward through the Philippines to Samoa and Fiji, typically found in coastal reef environments at depths of 5–50 meters.
Log Black-Bar Chromis in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Black-Bar Chromis alongside everything else in your reef.
