Great Barrier Reef Chromis

About Great Barrier Reef Chromis

Great Barrier Reef Chromis, also known as Barrier Reef Chromis or Yellowback Puller, is a beautiful Australian damselfish found naturally across the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding waters. It has a distinctive silver-white lower body, yellow upper body and dark diagonal marking running from the eye towards the dorsal fin.

Unlike many damselfish, Great Barrier Reef Chromis are naturally shoaling fish, often occurring in large aggregations around outer reef slopes. They are peaceful compared with many other damsels and make an excellent choice for a group display in a reef aquarium.

They are active open-water swimmers and should be provided with plenty of unobstructed swimming space. Keeping them in a group of 6 or more generally produces more natural behaviour and can reduce aggression between individuals.

Their natural diet consists largely of planktonic foods, so they should be offered a varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, marine pellets and quality flake foods. Multiple smaller feedings work particularly well for this active species.

Great Barrier Reef Chromis are reef safe and make an excellent addition to established coral aquariums.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Chromis nitida
Common Name: Great Barrier Reef Chromis / Barrier Reef Chromis / Yellowback Puller
Family: Pomacentridae
Type: Marine Schooling Fish / Damselfish
Adult Size: Approximately 7–9 cm
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Territorial
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Group: 6+
Minimum Aquarium: 190 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Planktivore / Omnivore
Tank Level: Midwater to Upper Levels
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Reef aquariums and peaceful marine community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Great Barrier Reef Chromis should I keep?

They are naturally schooling fish and are best kept in a group of 6 or more. Larger groups can create an impressive natural shoaling display.

Are Great Barrier Reef Chromis aggressive?

They are generally much more peaceful than many damselfish. However, some minor territorial behaviour can occur, particularly when kept in very small groups.

Are Great Barrier Reef Chromis reef safe?

Yes. They are considered reef safe and will generally leave corals and ornamental invertebrates alone.

What do Great Barrier Reef Chromis eat?

They are primarily planktivores. Offer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, quality marine pellets and flakes containing marine algae such as Spirulina.

Where are Great Barrier Reef Chromis found?

They are an Australian species associated with the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding Coral Sea, particularly reef slopes and outer reef environments.

Common Mistakes

Keeping only one or two fish
Small groups can result in increased aggression. A proper shoal is preferable.

Not providing enough swimming space
These are active open-water swimmers and need plenty of unobstructed space.

Feeding only once a day
Their active lifestyle and planktivorous diet make several smaller feedings preferable.

Keeping them with aggressive tank mates
Although relatively peaceful, they can be intimidated by larger or highly aggressive fish.

Overcrowding the aquarium
A group needs sufficient swimming space and filtration to handle the increased bioload.