Aren't Chromis pretty hardy?

[worldwide zoo]

The true raeson these fish kill each other off is because of their need for food. I've been doing this for 15+ years and have seen that those who feed their tanks twice daily or more OR have a decent population of pods and such manage to keep them alive. It is a FACT that chromis and all pseudochromis for that matter(most Anthias as well), eat at least 200 times per day in the wild and up to 50 times per hour depending on availability. Watch how they eat when you feed them. Therefore the metabolism of these fish is quite fast. Feeding them only once a day would be like us going two weeks without food. You may want to eat your neighbor at that point too. So don't be a nitrate nazi and starve your fish. Feed them according to their species' needs. If you don't want to put fish food in your aquarium, don't keep fish.

 

[1journeyman]

Originally Posted by Worldwide Zoo
The true raeson these fish kill each other off is because of their need for food. I've been doing this for 15+ years and have seen that those who feed their tanks twice daily or more OR have a decent population of pods and such manage to keep them alive. It is a FACT that chromis and all pseudochromis for that matter(most Anthias as well), eat at least 200 times per day in the wild and up to 50 times per hour depending on availability. Watch how they eat when you feed them. Therefore the metabolism of these fish is quite fast. Feeding them only once a day would be like us going two weeks without food. You may want to eat your neighbor at that point too. So don't be a nitrate nazi and starve your fish. Feed them according to their species' needs. If you don't want to put fish food in your aquarium, don't keep fish.
I tend to believe that is it exactly... I have observed Chromis get aggressive as they go without food. Feed more often, get less aggression.
I believe many aquarists underfeed their Chromis.

 

[mx#28]

Originally Posted by 1journeyman
I tend to believe that is it exactly... I have observed Chromis get aggressive as they go without food. Feed more often, get less aggression.
I believe many aquarists underfeed their Chromis.
YES!!! I'm glad to see these last two posts. Chromis have a very high metabolism and need frequent feedings for long term success. 2 to 4 times per day will make for healthy fish and a much more stable group.

 

[1journeyman]

Originally Posted by MX#28
YES!!! I'm glad to see these last two posts. Chromis have a very high metabolism and need frequent feedings for long term success. 2 to 4 times per day will make for healthy fish and a much more stable group.

I first posted my observations on this about two years ago. I had 6 chromis in my 210 at my office. I realized after a few weeks that I was getting cues on how hungry my fish were by how aggressive the Chromis were being to each other. I noticed they also seemed to be quite skinny. Began feeding small amounts morning and evening and had a much happier tank.