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Little Shop of Coral

Black & White Chromis (Chromis margaritifer)

Black & White Chromis (Chromis margaritifer)

$20.00 CAD
$20.00 CAD
Sale Sold out
Size

The Black and White Chromis is a hardy, fast-moving schooling fish with bold contrast and tons of activity. Its dark body and bright white accents make it a great choice when you want a clean, high-contrast look that still feels natural in a reef. Kept in a small group, they add constant motion to the mid-water zone and help make the tank feel more alive.

Why we love it

  • Striking black and white contrast that stands out in reef lighting

  • Great movement fish for the mid-water zone

  • Reef safe and generally easy to keep once settled

  • Looks best in groups and adds a schooling vibe

Care and Compatibility

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-aggressive
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Omnivore
Adult Size: ~4"
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons recommended (larger ideal for groups)

Feeding

Chromis are usually eager eaters and do well on a varied diet.

  • Frozen mysis and brine shrimp

  • Quality pellets and flakes

  • Frozen reef blends
    Feed once or twice daily and aim for variety.

Tank and Setup Notes

  • Provide open swimming space plus rockwork for retreat

  • Stable parameters and good oxygenation support long-term health

  • Moderate flow helps keep them active and comfortable

  • A secure lid is recommended in tanks with jump-prone fish

Compatibility Tips

  • Excellent with most peaceful community fish

  • Keeping a group works best in larger tanks where they can spread out

  • In smaller tanks, consider a smaller group or a single specimen to reduce chasing

  • Avoid pairing with very aggressive fish that may stress schooling species

Acclimation and Health

Slow acclimation is recommended. This species is generally hardy once feeding. Quarantine is ideal when possible, and maintaining strong water quality helps prevent stress-related issues in groups.

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LIGHT

LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.

MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height. 

HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.

FLOW

LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.

MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.

HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.

SKILL

ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.

While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.

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