Purple Chromis

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About Purple Chromis

The Purple Chromis is a striking reef fish known for its deep blue-purple body, dark markings and subtle iridescent highlights. Despite its common name, it is actually a damselfish and belongs to the family Pomacentridae.

It is an active fish that spends much of its time around rockwork and coral structures, darting between shelter and open water. Purple Chromis are generally hardy and adapt well to established marine aquariums.

Unlike the more peaceful Blue Green Chromis, Purple Chromis can become territorial, particularly around suitable shelter and nesting sites. Providing plenty of rockwork, caves and visual barriers helps reduce aggression.

They are omnivorous and readily accept a varied diet of quality marine pellets and flakes, along with frozen foods such as mysis shrimp and enriched brine shrimp.

Purple Chromis are generally considered reef safe and will normally leave corals alone.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus
Common Name: Purple Chromis / Whitespotted Damselfish
Family: Pomacentridae
Type: Marine Fish / Damselfish
Adult Size: Approximately 9–10 cm
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 150 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Omnivore
Tank Level: Midwater to Rockwork
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Reef aquariums and established marine community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Purple Chromis reef safe?

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

Are Purple Chromis peaceful?

They can be more territorial than Blue Green Chromis. Individuals may defend rockwork or nesting areas, particularly in smaller aquariums.

Can Purple Chromis be kept in groups?

They can be kept with compatible individuals in a suitably sized aquarium, but territorial behaviour should be expected. Providing plenty of rockwork and space is important.

What do Purple Chromis eat?

They accept quality marine pellets and flakes along with mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp and other appropriately sized frozen foods.

Do Purple Chromis need live rock?

Rockwork is highly beneficial as it provides shelter, territories and areas for natural grazing and exploration.

Common Mistakes

Assuming all Chromis are peaceful schooling fish
Purple Chromis can be significantly more territorial than Blue Green Chromis.

Keeping too many in a small aquarium
Limited territory can lead to persistent aggression.

Not providing enough rockwork
Caves, crevices and visual barriers help distribute territories and reduce conflict.

Keeping them with timid fish
Their territorial behaviour can stress very passive or timid tank mates.

Overfeeding
Feed controlled portions and maintain excellent water quality.