Chromis punctipinnis
A small, territorial damselfish of rocky reefs and kelp forests.
The blacksmith, also called the blacksmith chromis or blacksmith damselfish, belongs to the damselfish family. Its range in the subtropical northeastern Pacific Ocean stretches from Monterey Bay, California, down to central Baja California, Mexico. This small fish lives among rocky reefs and kelp forests.
Adults can grow up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. They are blue-black with tiny black spots near the tail, large scales, and a forked tail. Juveniles have two tones: a blue-gray front and a brownish-orange rear.
The blacksmith dwells at depths down to 46 meters (151 feet), usually near the seafloor over rocks or slopes, and also within kelp forests. It eats marine algae and zooplankton. At night, it rests in rocky crevices. Though small, it is territorial and acts aggressively toward other fish. Juveniles are pelagic and form schools. This fish has a symbiotic relationship with the señorita: when it feels unclean, it turns perpendicular to the ground so the señorita can clean it.
Spawning occurs in summer and autumn. The male cleans a nesting site, herds a female to it, and after she lays eggs, he guards them until they hatch.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Chromis
- Species
- punctipinnis
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The blacksmith can reach 25 centimetres (10 in) in length. It is blue-black in color with small black spots towards the tail. The scales are large, and the tail is forked. The juvenile is two-toned with a blue-grey front and a brownish-orange rear. The fish lives at depths up to 46 metres (151 ft), usually close to the sea floor, over rocks, or on slopes. It also inhabits kelp forests. Its diet includes marine algae and zooplankton. The blacksmith rests in rocky crevices during the night. It is known to be territorial, and, although small, it acts aggressively toward other fish. Juveniles are pelagic and form schools. The blacksmith is symbiotic with the señorita. When it feels that it is starting to deteriorate in hygiene it will turn until it is perpendicular to the ground, allowing the señorita to clean it. The blacksmith spawns during summer and autumn. The male cleans a nesting site, then herds a female to it. After spawning, the male guards the eggs until they hatch.
Reader's Guide
The blacksmith is notable as a common damselfish of the subtropical northeastern Pacific, with a range from Monterey Bay, California, to central Baja California, Mexico. Its association with rocky reefs and kelp forests makes it a characteristic species of these habitats. The species exhibits interesting behaviors, including nocturnal resting in crevices, territorial aggression, and a symbiotic cleaning relationship with the señorita. Its reproductive strategy involves male nest preparation, herding of females, and egg guarding. The blacksmith's diet of marine algae and zooplankton reflects its role in the ecosystem. Juveniles are pelagic and form schools, while adults are more solitary and territorial. The species' maximum length of 25 cm and blue-black coloration with black spots are key identifying features. Its presence in both US and Mexican waters underscores its regional importance.
Did You Know?
- The blacksmith can reach 25 cm (10 in) in length.
- It is blue-black with small black spots towards the tail and has a forked tail.
- The blacksmith has a symbiotic relationship with the señorita, turning perpendicular to allow cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chromis punctipinnis?
Chromis punctipinnis, commonly called the blacksmith or blacksmith damselfish, is a small, territorial member of the damselfish family. It is native to the subtropical northeastern Pacific, ranging from Monterey Bay, California, down to central Baja California, Mexico, where it hangs around rocky reefs and kelp forests.
What does an adult Chromis punctipinnis look like?
Adults are a striking blue-black with notably large scales, a forked tail, and a scattering of tiny black spots concentrated toward the tail. Juveniles look almost like a different species, showing a blue-gray front half and a brownish-orange rear half.
How big does a blacksmith damselfish get?
A fully grown blacksmith can reach up to 25 centimeters (roughly 10 inches), which is on the larger side for a damselfish.
What does Chromis punctipinnis eat?
This species is a grazer and filter-feeder, subsisting mainly on marine algae and small zooplankton found in its rocky-reef and kelp-forest environment.
How deep can you find a blacksmith, and when does it spawn?
Although it favors shallower reef and kelp habitats, the blacksmith has been recorded at depths of up to 46 meters (about 151 feet). Its spawning activity peaks during the summer and autumn months.
More in Clownfish and Damselfish, Part 2 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced