Chromis xutha Randall, 1988
Buff chromis
Chromis xutha
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Chrominae
Max. size:  7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 20 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Kenya and Maldives; also Tanzania, Comoro Islands, and Chagos Archipelago (Ref. 10591).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 11-12
Biology:  Adults inhabit offshore coral reefs with rich growth, always found near corals (Ref. 9710). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Reported from Tubbataha Reefs (Ref. 57038). Outside distributional range, occurrence needs verification.


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