Least Concern· population trend unknown· assessed 2015

Chromis

Chromis chromis

Sighting evidence at Secca delle Fumose, Pozzuoli / Baiae

Chromis form dense aggregations above the Secca delle Fumose's crest, using the bubble streams and thermocline eddies created by the vents as reference points for their schooling behaviour. Males turn a dramatically darker brown during breeding season and vigorously defend small nesting patches scraped clean on the rock surface near vent openings. Their density here exceeds most comparable Mediterranean seamounts, likely because the suppressed urchin population allows the algal turf that chromis graze to grow unchecked.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Chromis is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.