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Oval chromis (Chromis alta) — Pomacentridae

Oval chromis

Chromis alta
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Oval chromis (Chromis alta) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
30.0–150.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The oval chromis is a damselfish (chromis) from the eastern Pacific, off the coast of Central and South America. The species grows to about 13 cm and has an oval, laterally compressed, greyish-brown body that pales toward the tail. It schools over rocky and coral reefs, between about 30 and 150 metres, and filters zooplankton from the open water. Males guard the eggs laid on stone. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Oval chromis?

The Oval chromis has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Oval chromis live?

The Oval chromis lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Oval chromis get?

The Oval chromis grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Oval chromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Oval chromis is harmless to humans.

Is the Oval chromis edible?

The Oval chromis is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Ovale chromis verified
English name
Oval chromis verified
Scientific name
Chromis alta
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Oval damselfish; Silverstripe chromis verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
30.0 verified
Max depth (m)
150.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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