| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Planktivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 4 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 2" or smaller - Indo-Pacific |
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| In Stock | 2 - 3" - SSC Certified - Central Pacific |
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| Out of Stock | 2" or smaller - SSC Certified - Central Pacific |
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The Bicolor Chromis Damsel (Chromis margaritifer) is a reef chromis with a crisp two-tone pattern—dark on the front half and pale on the back half—that reads clearly even from across the tank. In the aquarium it spends most of its time in the water column, especially in higher-flow areas where it can hold position and grab suspended food.
What You’ll Observe:
- Hanging in midwater and “parking” in the current rather than staying on the rockwork
- Quick, coordinated dashes to cover when startled, then returning to open water soon after
- Short, frequent spacing-out interactions with other chromis as they settle into a pecking order
- The strongest feeding response when small foods stay suspended in the water column
How to succeed: Provide open swimming room plus several rockwork “breaks” so each fish can claim a comfortable lane in the tank. Offer small meaty foods (fine frozen blends, copepod-sized items, and tiny pellets) in a high-flow zone so it stays in suspension longer. For groups, add them at the same time and keep the social dynamic consistent to help them settle in smoothly.
Do Bicolor Chromis actually school in home aquariums?
They often “shoal” loosely in the water column, but tight schooling is less common in typical home tanks. Many keepers report they look best when they have enough room to spread out while still staying in the same general area.
Where do they sleep at night?
Most will pick a regular resting spot in the rockwork and return to it nightly. You’ll usually see them disappear into the structure as the lights ramp down.
Can I mix Bicolor Chromis with other chromis species?
Some hobbyists do, but mixed groups can behave less predictably than a single-species group. Keeping one species tends to produce a more consistent look and routine.
Is it normal for one fish to look like the “boss”?
Yes—groups commonly sort into a simple hierarchy, where one fish takes the best midwater position and others give it a bit more space. This usually looks like brief chasing and quick resets rather than constant conflict.
What should I look for when choosing a specimen at the store?
Look for a fish that holds position in the water column, responds quickly when food hits the water, and has a full, well-rounded body profile. Consistent feeding behavior is a great sign for long-term success.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
