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Brown chromis (Chromis multilineata) — Pomacentridae

Brown chromis

Chromis multilineata
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Brown chromis (Chromis multilineata) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Atlantic Ocean, in the tropical west and east, over coral and rocky reefs of coastal waters.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The brown chromis is a grey-brown reef fish of the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes) reaching about 18 cm. The oval, laterally compressed body has a deeply forked tail with white fin tips and often a yellow tinge on the back and tail. The species forms feeding schools above coral and rock reefs on both tropical sides of the Atlantic. In the water above the reef it picks zooplankton, algae and small invertebrates. In the breeding season the male fiercely defends a territory and guards the eggs laid on a cleaned stone. Because of its small size it has no fishery value, but it is a conspicuous presence on the reef.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brown chromis?

The Brown chromis is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Grey-brown reef fish with a deeply forked tail, white caudal fin tips and often a yellow tinge; forms feeding shoals above the reef.

Where does the Brown chromis live?

The Brown chromis lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Atlantic Ocean, in the tropical west and east, over coral and rocky reefs of coastal waters.

How big does the Brown chromis get?

The Brown chromis grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Brown chromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Brown chromis is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Brown chromis edible?

The Brown chromis is not usually eaten.

More photos

Brown chromis (Chromis multilineata) — Pomacentridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY))
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All data

Identification

English name
Brown chromis verified
Scientific name
Chromis multilineata
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Yellow-edge chromis; Cavalley pilot; Yellow edge chromis

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
18 verified
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater verified
Substrate
Stone or rock verified
Natural range
Atlantic Ocean, in the tropical west and east, over coral and rocky reefs of coastal waters. verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore verified
Diet (detail)
Zooplankton, algae and small invertebrates above the reef sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling verified
Territorial
Yes verified
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No verified
Seasonality
Forms feeding shoals over the reef; the male guards the eggs deposited on a stone. sourced
Special features
Grey-brown reef fish with a deeply forked tail, white caudal fin tips and often a yellow tinge; forms feeding shoals above the reef. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten verified
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Chromis

More from the family Pomacentridae

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