Colours

Distinguishing features

A small blue to pale green fish with irridescent markings. The black spot on the base of the pectoral fin distinguishes this species from the closely related but smaller C. viridis. Forms schools above branching coral.

Size

Depth range

Synonyms

Distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

Generally seen in shallow reef flat and lagoonal habitats, schooling above branching coral.

Found in most locations around the Island.

Behaviour

The Blackaxil Puller feeds on zooplankton taken directly from the water column. These fish are closely related to the Blue-green Puller, but the latter usually form tighter schools, and there is also some difference in the colouration of the male fish when involved in spawning activities. Chromis atripectoralis form somewhat more diffuse schools when feeding, and the males court single females and entice them to deposit eggs on top of heads of massive coral.

Web resources

References