Greenspotted

Greenspotted refers to the common name for several species of damselfish in the genus Chromis. These small, reef-dwelling fish are characterized by their greenish hue, often with distinct dark spots or blotches. While the term "greenspotted" can be applied broadly, it most frequently refers to species such as Chromis viridis, commonly known as the blue-green chromis, which is widespread in the Indo-Pacific region.

These fish typically inhabit coral reefs, forming schools that can number in the hundreds or even thousands. They are planktivores, feeding primarily on zooplankton that drift in the water column. Greenspotted damselfish are generally peaceful and are popular in the aquarium trade due to their attractive coloration and schooling behavior. However, their suitability for community aquariums can vary depending on the specific species and the tank mates introduced.

The life cycle of greenspotted damselfish involves pelagic larval stages before settling onto reefs. They exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males and females sometimes displaying subtle differences in color or finnage. Their ecological role is primarily as a food source for larger predatory fish and as contributors to the reef ecosystem through their feeding habits. The term "greenspotted" is descriptive of their visual appearance, a key identifier for these ubiquitous reef inhabitants.