Chromis flavaxilla Randall, 1994
Arabian chromis
Chromis flavaxilla
photo by Field, R.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Chrominae
Max. size:  7.2 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 18 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Arabian Peninsula from the northern Red Sea to the Persian Gulf.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 11-11. Body olive brown, the scale edges darker, shading to gray ventrally. Margin of spinous portion of dorsal and anal fins and lateral edge of pelvic fins blue. The axil of the pectoral fins bright orange-yellow. Caudal fin light greenish gray with a broad black band in each lobe and a narrow blue upper and lower margin.
Biology:  Adults form aggregations on reefs to feed on zooplankton. Take shelter in branching corals (Ref. 11411). 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


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