Oval Chromis

Chromis ovalis

The Oval Chromis is a damselfish species found exclusively in the Hawaiian archipelago, including the Midway Islands. Divers can spot these fish in rocky areas, often schooling at depths ranging from 6 to 46 meters. They exhibit a grey coloration with a distinctive blue iridescent sheen. Juveniles are easily recognized by their yellow dorsal fins tipped with blue, while adults tend to have a duller appearance. Oval Chromis primarily feed on plankton, with a diet that includes copepods, tunicates, and various crustacean larvae. During the breeding season, which spans from February to May, male Oval Chromis establish nests approximately 3 feet apart. They perform a jumping display to attract females, leading them to the nesting site for egg-laying. The eggs are demersal, adhering to the substrate, and males take on the role of guarding and aerating them. This species is non-migratory and exhibits territorial behavior during the breeding period. For divers, encountering Oval Chromis can be a common experience around the Hawaiian Islands. They are harmless to humans and are sometimes collected for commercial aquarium trade. According to the IUCN Red List, the Oval Chromis is categorized as Least Concern.