Chromis chromis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Damselfish
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Chrominae
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 40 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Mediterranean Sea: Eastern Atlantic: Along the coast of Portugal to the Gulf of Guinea (St. Thomas Island = São Tomé Island), may also reach Angola. Quoted mainly in the islands (Azores, Salvage, Canary, Annobon, etc.) than on the continent.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 14-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-11; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 9-11
Biology:  Adults form small shoals in midwater above or near rocky reefs or above seagrass meadows (Posidonia. They feed on small planktonic or benthic animals (Ref. 6760). Reproduce in summer (Ref. 6760). Eggs characterized by adhesive filaments are nested on rocky or sandy bottoms (Ref. 6760). Males guard the eggs (Ref. 6760).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 November 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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