Blacksmith

Blacksmith (Chromis punctipinnis) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 2–46 m.

Scientific name: Chromis punctipinnis · Water: Saltwater

Size: up to 25 cm

About

The blacksmith is a pomacentrid whose adults occur near the bottom over or near rocks, especially over steep banks, and also in kelp beds, with the young schooling in the open ocean; it retires to rocky holes at night. It is oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding, the eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate, and the males guard and aerate them. It is recorded from 2 to 46 m, and it is good eating. Maximum length is about 25 cm standard length. It is a minor commercial species and a gamefish. Fishing vulnerability is low to moderate at 31 of 100 and resilience medium. IUCN lists it as least concern.

Ecology and habitat

Bottom / habitat
Reef
Depth
2–46 m
Distribution status
Native
Trophic level
2.7

Fishery and market

Game fish
Yes
Resilience
Medium

Methods

Sources

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