Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Green Chromis - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Green Chromis at a glance
Adult size: 4 inches · Min tank/pond: 30 gallons · Difficulty: beginner · Diet: omnivore · Lifespan: 8-15 years.
Green Chromis (Chromis viridis) is a popular saltwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Hardy and forgiving when given proper water chemistry.
Where Green Chromis comes from
Green Chromis (Chromis viridis) is native to Indo-Pacific reef ecosystems. Wild populations distribute across coral reefs from East Africa through Indonesia, the Philippines, and into the western Pacific. Captive-bred Green Chromis is increasingly available and is the more sustainable choice when you can find it.
Green Chromis tank size and setup
Green Chromis requires a minimum of 30 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 4 inches adult size and territorial range. For Green Chromis, plan a mature reef tank with stable parameters, sand bed, live rock for cover, and reef LED if photosynthetic.
Water parameters for Green Chromis
Green Chromis requires standard reef parameters: temperature 76-80°F, specific gravity 1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, alkalinity 8-9 dKH, calcium 420-450 ppm, magnesium 1300-1400 ppm, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 10 ppm. Use a refractometer (not hydrometer) to measure salinity.
What Green Chromis eats
Green Chromis is a omnivore. Provide a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Feed twice daily in small portions. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Green Chromis tankmates and compatibility
Green Chromis is best paired with peaceful reef-tank species in similar size class. Avoid known fin-nippers and large aggressive species.
Green Chromis adult size and lifespan
Green Chromis reaches 4 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 8-15 years with proper care.
Can you breed Green Chromis?
Green Chromis breeding in captivity ranges from straightforward to very difficult. Captive-bred specimens are increasingly available from sustainable aquaculture facilities.
Common Green Chromis diseases and problems
Green Chromis is susceptible to ich, velvet, marine flukes, and bacterial infections. Quarantine new Green Chromis for 4-6 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Green Chromis online
Green Chromis is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Green Chromis from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related saltwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Green Chromis taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.