Blackbar Puller

Chromis retrofasciata is a Chromis from the Western Pacific Ocean. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to a size of 4 cm in length.

Description

It has a very delicate balance of color. A pronounced horizontal black stripe over it's posterior is set against a yellowish to tan body. Juveniles sport a subtle touch of neon blue encircling the eye and etched along the bottom fins and the underside of the tail. There are few fish it can be confused with. Other damsels may have the same coloring, but always lack the vertical black bar at the back of the body.

Distribution

Western Pacific: Indonesia to Fiji, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia.

Habitat

Adults inhabit coral-rich areas of clear lagoon and seaward reefs. They occur singly or in small groups and remains close to thickly branching coral shelter. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding. Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate. Males guard and aerate the eggs. Diurnal species.