Fish of the Month: Threespot Chromis Chromis verater 07 2003

hawaiisfishes.com

past fishes of the month

FISH OF THE MONTH - JULY 2003

THREESPOT CHROMIS
Chromis verater Jordan & Metz, 1912

Palea Point, O`ahu

THREESPOT CHROMIS
Chromis verater Jordan & Metz, 1912
This endemic damselfish is usually dark gray or black with three white spots: one above, one below, and one on the base of the tail. It can lighten or darken the spots, which at times almost disappear. Occasionally it turns almost entirely silver gray. Although slightly larger, it is similar in size and habits to the Oval Chromis, with which it often mingles. The two even prefer the same types of planktonic organisms (pelagic tunicates when they can get them, otherwise copepods, which constitute the bulk of their diet). Habitat preference is their major behavioral difference: the Threespot is most abundant in deeper water, down to about 500 ft., while the Oval Chromis seldom descends below 130 ft. During spawning season (late November to June), male Threespot Chromis typically lighten their bodies while leaving their fins dark, a color pattern resembling that of the Hawaiian Dascyllus. They prepare nests on smooth horizontal rock surfaces, often in under overhangs or other sheltered areas, if necessary fanning away quantities of sand to make saucerlike depressions 2-3 ft. in diameter. Spawning behavior is almost identical to that of the Oval Chromis; the eggs are transparent and inconspicuous. Juveniles, which occur singly at 80 ft. or more at the bases of dropoffs, have light gray bodies with dark dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. To 8 1/2 in. Endemic.

aggregation - Midway Atoll. 80 ft.

juvenile - Honaunau, Hawai`i, 80 ft.

courting/spawning coloration - Hanauma Bay, O`ahu

male guarding or building nest in cave - Palea Point, O`ahu. 40 ft.