Paletail chromis
📖 Overview
Adults are found in steep outer reef slopes and shallow coastal reef flats, sometimes forming large aggregations feeding on zooplankton several meters above the bottom. Juveniles remain close to shelter. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding . Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate . Nests are found in small patches of loose sand under ledges or at the base of slopes . Males guard and aerate the eggs . Diurnal species. Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 10 - 11. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D XIII,10-11(mode 11); A II,10-11 (11); pectoral-fin rays 18-20 (19); upper and lower procurrent caudal-fin rays 3; pored lateral-line scales 17-18 (18); gill rakers 6-8 (7) + 19-22 (21) = 26-30 (28); longest dorsal-fin soft ray length 24.6-36.4% (mean 29.4%) of SL; first anal-fin spine length 6.5-8.4% (7.1%) of SL; caudal-fin length 43.9-59.8% (48.6%) of SL; posterior tips of caudal-fin lobes are filamentous; broad black bands along the preopercular and opercular margins, sum width of two bands 15.3-27.9% (23.6%) of head length; distal half of soft-rayed portion of the dorsal fin is transparent in adults; upper or lower caudal-fin base no triangular black blotches; caudal peduncle and fin are tinged with yellow; soft-rayed portions of dorsal and anal fins are yellowish, with spinous portion of dorsal and pelvic fins dark blue in juveniles .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Paletail chromis is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding . Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate . Males guard and aerate the eggs .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 40 m . Tropical; 35°N - 25°S widespread, from southern Japan to Australia and Tonga; no records from Hawaii nor French Polynesia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Paletail chromis is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 116 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Paletail chromis has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Black Chromis · Long-tail Puller · paletail chromis |
| 🇫🇷French | Chromis noir · Demoiselle à Queue Jaune |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Monsuzumedai · モンスズメダイ |
| 🌍TAH | 'atoti |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 厚殼仔 · 黃尾光鰓魚 · 黄尾光鳃鱼 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heliases xanthurus | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Paletail chromis.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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