Chromis verater, commonly known as threespot chromis, is a species of damselfish endemic to Hawaii.[1][2] The species is planktivorous.[3]
| Chromis verater | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Blenniiformes |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Chromis |
| Species: | C. verater
|
| Binomial name | |
| Chromis verater Jordan & Metz, 1912
| |
Description
editThe threespot chromis is usually dark gray or black with three white spots: one above, one below, and one on the bottom of the tail.[4] Specifically, the three white spots are located on the rear base of the dorsal fin, the rear base of the anal fin, and at the mid-base of the caudal fin. This species is able to lighten or darken its spots which could also disappear. This species has a lower body condition and weight-at-length in mesophotic sites compared to shallow reef sites.[5] However, at times it can turn almost entirely silver-gray. During spawning season, the male species tend to lighten their bodies while their fins are dark, resembling a pattern of Hawaiian Dascyllus.
Distribution and habitat
editYou can see the threespot chromis at almost any beach on the island. These species tend to live in rocky bottom areas around caves with a depth between 20 and 500 feet but are usually seen at slightly over 100 feet.[4] The species' behavior determines their habitat preference. To care for these fishes, they should be given wide-open swimming areas. The threespot chromis is locally common along ledges where they're exposed to the current where it feeds on zooplankton.
Human use
editThe threespot chromis can be displayed in a commercial aquarium. To care for these fishes, they should be given wide-open swimming areas. If in an aquarium, provide caves and ledges for shelter, this species probably prefers a low-lit aquarium.
References
edit- ^ "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Chromis verater Jordan & Metz, 1912". www.marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
- ^ Tenggardjaja, Kimberly A.; Bowen, Brian W.; Bernardi, Giacomo (17 December 2014). "Vertical and Horizontal Genetic Connectivity in Chromis verater, an Endemic Damselfish Found on Shallow and Mesophotic Reefs in the Hawaiian Archipelago and Adjacent Johnston Atoll". PLOS ONE. 9 (12): e115493. Bibcode:2014PLoSO...9k5493T. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0115493. PMC 4269425. PMID 25517964.
- ^ Boland, Raymond C.; Hyrenbach, K. David; DeMartini, Edward E.; Parrish, Frank A.; Rooney, John J. (5 January 2022). "Quantifying Mesophotic Fish Assemblages of Hawai'i's Au'au Channel: Associations With Benthic Habitats and Depth". Frontiers in Marine Science. 8. doi:10.3389/fmars.2021.785308.
- ^ a b "Section: Fish Library: Group: Damselfishes: Species: Chromis verater (Threespot Chromis)". www.saltcorner.com. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
- ^ Winston, Morgan (August 2016). Intraspecific Variability in the Life History of Endemic Coral Reef Fishes between Photic and Mesophotic Depths in the Central North Pacific Ocean (Thesis). [Honolulu] : [University of Hawaii at Manoa], [August 2016]. hdl:10125/51468.
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