Vanderbuilt Chromis
Chromis vanderbuilti
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Chromis
Family: Pomacentridae
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Vanderbuilt Chromis
General information
The Vanderbuilt Chromis is a small and peaceful species that can reach a maximum size of 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length. These fish are commonly kept in saltwater aquariums, and they can adapt well to a variety of tank conditions. They are known for their stunning metallic blue-green coloration, with a distinctive black spot on their dorsal fin.
Diet & nutrition
The Vanderbuilt Chromis is an omnivorous species that feeds on a variety of small crustaceans, zooplankton, and algae in the wild. In captivity, they will accept a range of foods, including high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and krill.
Determining sex
It is difficult to determine the sex of Vanderbuilt Chromis based on external characteristics alone. However, males are known to have more elongated dorsal and anal fins, while females tend to be plumper and more rounded in the abdomen.
Breeding & spawning
Breeding Vanderbuilt Chromis in captivity is not common, but it is possible. They are known to be egg-layers, and the females can release up to several hundred eggs per clutch. To encourage spawning, it is important to provide a well-established, mature aquarium with plenty of hiding places and suitable water conditions.
Diseases
Like all fish, Vanderbuilt Chromis are susceptible to a range of common fish diseases such as ich, velvet, and bacterial infections. To minimize the risk of disease, it is important to maintain good water quality and avoid overcrowding the aquarium.
Origination
The Vanderbuilt Chromis is native to the western Pacific Ocean, specifically in the waters around Fiji and Tonga.
Cautions
The Vanderbuilt Chromis is generally considered a peaceful species and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish in a community aquarium. However, it is important to avoid keeping them with larger, aggressive species that may bully or attack them.
Acclimation process
When introducing Vanderbuilt Chromis to a new aquarium, it is important to acclimate them slowly to prevent shock or stress. This can be done by floating the bag containing the fish in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes to allow the temperature to equalize, then gradually adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag over a period of several hours before releasing the fish into the tank.
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