Philippine Chromis

Chromis scotochiloptera

Philippine Chromis are small reef fish found in the Western Central Pacific, specifically around the Philippines and Indonesia. They typically inhabit seaward reef slopes, often taking shelter in caves and large crevices. These fish are known for their compressed body shape, which is both short and deep, and they can grow up to 16 cm in length. Divers can identify them by their dorsal fin structure, which includes 13 spines and 10 to 11 soft rays, and their anal fin with 2 spines and 10 to 11 soft rays. Philippine Chromis are non-migratory and are usually seen in groups. They feed on plankton and are often observed swimming away from their shelters to feed. During breeding, these fish exhibit distinct pairing, and the males play an active role in guarding and aerating the demersal eggs, which adhere to the substrate. Their diurnal nature means they are active during the day, making them more visible to divers. The conservation status of the Philippine Chromis is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Divers encountering these fish can expect to see them in spread-out schools, often well away from their shelters. Their presence at various dive sites makes them a common sight for divers exploring the reef slopes of their distribution range.