{"title":"Chromis","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"chromis-vanderbilts","title":"Chromis - Vanderbilts","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*This is a marine species*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePycnochromis vanderbilti\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as \u003cem\u003eVanderbilt’s Chromis\u003c\/em\u003e, is a small, active reef fish native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly around coral-rich slopes and outer reef edges. This member of the Pomacentridae family is prized for its shimmering silver to yellow body with subtle blue lines and iridescence, and peaceful nature. Unlike some other damselfish, Pycnochromis vanderbilti exhibits relatively subdued territorial behaviour, making it well-suited to community reef aquariums. Its schooling habits and constant mid-water activity add natural movement and visual interest to reef systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures of Pycnochromis vanderbilti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaches a maximum size of around 6–7 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisplays peaceful schooling behaviour\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYellow to Silvery-blue coloration with blue lines\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrefers high-oxygen environments with strong water flow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy when acclimated to stable, mature reef tanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe best aquarium size for Pycnochromis vanderbilti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA tank of at least 150 litres is suitable for a small group (5–7 individuals), although larger volumes (250+ litres) are ideal to maintain stable water parameters and allow for more dynamic schooling behaviour. Keeping them in odd-numbered groups reduces aggression and encourages natural interaction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mate Compatibility for Pycnochromis vanderbilti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClownfish (Amphiprion percula)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreen Chromis (Chromis viridis)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirefish (Nemateleotris magnifica)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet for Pycnochromis vanderbilti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePycnochromis vanderbilti is omnivorous with a strong preference for planktonic and suspended foods. Feed a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, micro pellets, and frozen foods such as cyclops, brine shrimp, and finely chopped mysis. Multiple small feedings daily mimic their natural feeding behaviour and support vibrant coloration and health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Setup Pycnochromis vanderbilti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAquarium Filtration\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRobust filtration is necessary due to their preference for oxygen-rich, high-flow environments. Use a protein skimmer and efficient biological media to maintain low nutrient levels, particularly in reef setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAquarium Plants\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs a marine species, macroalgae such as Halimeda or Caulerpa can be used for nutrient export and habitat enrichment. These should be placed in refugia or areas with subdued lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAquarium Lighting\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eModerate to strong reef lighting helps bring out their iridescent sheen. While not photosynthetic, Pycnochromis vanderbilti benefits from consistent light cycles that support overall reef system health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAquarium Heating\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaintain a stable temperature between 24–27°C using a quality heater with digital control. Sudden shifts in temperature can lead to stress and disease in smaller fish like this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAquarium Substrate\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA fine aragonite sand bed is ideal for reef compatibility. While the species does not interact heavily with the substrate, a clean sand bed supports a natural aesthetic and stable tank chemistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAquarium Decorations\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIncorporate live rock formations to provide visual breaks, shelter, and elevated swimming levels. Open mid-water space is critical for schooling, so avoid cluttering the central swimming zone. Coral-friendly and non-destructive, this species is highly compatible with mixed reef aquascapes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Coburg Aquarium","offers":[{"title":"3-5cm","offer_id":48890018431284,"sku":"MF307","price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1561\/7366\/files\/CoburgAquarium1400x1000Pycnochromisvanderbilti.jpg?v=1758117971"}],"url":"https:\/\/coburgaquarium.com.au\/collections\/chromis\/live-fish.oembed","provider":"Coburg Aquarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}