Damselfishes

Blue-green chromis (Chromis viridis)

The Blue-green chromis (Chromis viridis) belongs to the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is an omnivore and usually seen in schools. It reaches about 5 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Blue-green chromis (Chromis viridis), a Red Sea fish of the damselfishes family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameChromis viridis
FamilyDamselfishes (Pomacentridae)
Common name (IT)Damigella verde
Common name (EN)Blue-green chromis
Maximum size5 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Blue-green chromis belong to?
The Blue-green chromis (Chromis viridis) belongs to the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes).
Is the Blue-green chromis dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Blue-green chromis endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Blue-green chromis get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 5 cm.

Explore the Blue-green chromis in 3D in the interactive atlas →