Chromis alpha Randall, 1988
Yellow-speckled chromis
Chromis alpha
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Chrominae
Max. size:  8.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 11 - 110 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Society Islands, north to Mariana Islands, south to New Caledonia; throughout Micronesia. Replaced by Chromis nigroanalis in the west Indian Ocean (Ref. 37816).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 11-13. Description: Dorsal greenish to brown, ventral blue; scales edges darker; opercle and preopercle edges dark brown; anal fin blue. Scales centers on back with small yellow spots (this variety may be restricted to reefs deeper than 30 m) (Ref. 2334, 90102). Body depth 1.8-2.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults occur in clear lagoon and seaward reefs, usually seen singly or in loose aggregations near caves and ledges. Abundant over branching corals and leeward coasts (Ref. 9710). Feeds on planktons (Ref. 89972). Diurnal species (Ref. 113699). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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