Acanthochromis polyacanthus--livebearing damselfish

[Anonymous]

Anybody keeping this species? The juveniles are quite cute but of course the adults are not very attractive. The neatest part about these fish is that they lack a larval pelagic stage and the parents protect the juveniles (see above). Besides 2 other species (Altrichthys spp.) with very limited distribution these are the only pomacentrids with direct development.

 

[IconicAquariums]

the juveniles are quite nice and pretty readily available as "Orange Line Chromis"

 

[Anonymous]

Hey, cool fish Matt.
It's attractive enough, I'd consider devoting a tank to a group or pair.
Harem polygamous types or what?

 

[Anonymous]

They're monogamous Jim.

http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/Species ... hp?id=6655

Max size in the wild is 5.5". Looks like a 55-60g would be about the right size.

Burgers Zoo in Arnhem has them in their reef tank and apparently are quite prolific.

 

[jhemdal1]

Matt,

My first attempt to start a colony of these ended in failure. Six fish down to one in the two weeks after their arrival. Very thin, possible Uronema, just like is seen so often with new green chromis.

Can you elucidate as to how these are livebearing fish? My understanding is that they are egglayers, but that the larva are precocial and have direct development ('ala Bangaii cardinals - minus the mouthbrooding).

Jay

 

[Anonymous]

Matt,

My first attempt to start a colony of these ended in failure. Six fish down to one in the two weeks after their arrival. Very thin, possible Uronema, just like is seen so often with new green chromis.

Can you elucidate as to how these are livebearing fish? My understanding is that they are egglayers, but that the larva are precocial and have direct development ('ala Bangaii cardinals - minus the mouthbrooding).

Jay

They're not, and you're right--I fudged the title a bit because "the only common pomacentrid with direct development" was a bit wordy and clumsy. I knew someone like you would call me on it though!

 

[Anonymous]

I didn't take you literally.

 

[pslee]

Direct development :!: That's awesome! I remember seeing a bunch of juvies at a LFS last week. I might have to snag a few and try them out.