Uronema and Chromis.

Zionas · Mar 27, 2020

I would like to consider getting 1-2 Chromis of the Blue Green variety, but from what I’ve read they are extremely susceptible to this almost incurable disease and if introduced into any system it’s basically game over. How often do shipments of C. Virdi carry uronema? Is it that difficult to find a healthy specimen?

What about other species of Chromis that are not the Blue Green / Blue / Black Axil? Are they equally susceptible and likely to carry uronema? I’m considering the Black and White Chromis as an alternative.

If all Chromis are equally susceptible I’ll just stick with my original plan of 2-3 Chrysiptera damsels (Azure / YTB / Talbot’s).

Also, will my 85-gal tank be overstocked?

x2 Ocellaris / Black and White Ocellaris / Percula (tank bred)

x1 Royal Gramma / Swissguard / Swales

x1 YWG + Pistol shrimp

x2-3 Chrysiptera damsels (of the species listed above) / x1-2 Chromis

x1 dwarf angel

Dimensions: 36”x24”x24”

Retro Reefer · Mar 27, 2020

I have tried several batches of chromis from different venders (12 in total) lost all but one to uronema.. Seems it’s rampant in chromis these days

Zionas · Mar 27, 2020

What species were they?

And how is that lone Chromis doing?

To everyone. Is it worth the risk trying to get a Chromis?

Krully · Mar 27, 2020

I was considering some chromis but dropped the idea for the same reason as you. There are many other fish I like so I'd rather pass on that risk.

Zionas · Mar 27, 2020

Guess I’ll pass and get another one of the more peaceful damsels.

Retro Reefer · Mar 27, 2020

Zionas said:
What species were they?

And how is that lone Chromis doing?

To everyone. Is it worth the risk trying to get a Chromis?

they where the blue/green variety, the last one is in my Biocube and doing well. I ended up going with talbots and azures in my main tank.

C. Eymann · Mar 27, 2020

With proper prophylactic treatments during QT is essential in obtaining healthy chromis, next to anthias, chromis very commonly come in with Uronema, a 45min formlin dip before introducing them into a QT tank is best, along with either a 10+ day copper or chloroquine phosphate period in the QT before being added to the display.

Also, feed chromis like you would a delicate anthias, so small amounts 3 times a day at minimum is ideal.

Just my two pennies

Mono · Mar 27, 2020

For what it's worth and I don't claim to be an expert but I really like Chromis and have bought quite a few. They definitely don't seem to ship well and I have done a lot better buying them from the LFS than online. I usually watch them at the LFS for at least a week or two before I buy any. I have also found the larger 2" black axil chromis do better. I don't know if it's because on the smaller 1/2" chromis uronema is just to harder to spot. The larger black axil also seem to fair better in my tank. I have 5 for about a year. Definitely Eymann is on the right track with a vigorous quarantine routine. He's also right about feeding. Getting an Eheim auto-feeder with pellets has also really helped. I hand feed frozen food once a day and dose pellets twice a day. This has helped a lot and they seem to be doing pretty good.

CindyKz · Mar 27, 2020

I think you'll find varied experiences.

I started with a group of 7 blue-green chromis. One died in QT. I treated the remaining with metronidazole based on this thread. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/metronidazole.298762/

The remaining 6 have been in my DT for 6 or so months, maybe 8 I don't keep records. So not long term, but doing well.

Zionas · Mar 27, 2020

I’m thinking of maybe keeping only one? Would that be alright? Will a lone Chromis be lonely?

Also, among the Chromis species, which one would you recommend if not the Blue-Green?

Mono · Mar 28, 2020

Well none of us are really fish psychologists but they are naturally shoaling fish.

I've always had more luck with the larger Black Axil Chromis.

"Native to reefs ranging from mid-depth to shallow lagoons of the Indo-Pacific and South Pacific, wild specimens prefer to school in large shoals amongst branching corals like Acropora. In the home aquarium, the Blue Green Reef Chromis does best in similar environments and will actively swim at all levels of the aquarium water column. In fact, a small school of Blue Green Reef Chromis comprised of at least six individuals adds a dazzling and dramatic shimmer of beauty to almost any well-established reef system. " from LiveAquaria

vetteguy53081 · Mar 28, 2020

While it is hit and miss, things to consider when acquiring Chromis and most anthias who are susceptible to this. . . . .
upon acquisition, at minimum, give them a 45 minute formalin bath with product such as Quick Cure followed by transfer into a new/sterile QT. If you cannot quarantine for a few days, isolate them even in bucket or isolation box so you can continue these baths.
If you can quarantine QT, assure they are clear of any the parasites from the baths by dosing and food soaking metronidazole product such as Seachem Metroplex for 10 days.

dadnjesse · Mar 28, 2020

I have 6 Blue Green Chromis in my 120 gallon tank. When I first got them one actually had Uronema. I tried to catch it but he was too fast and was eating great so I left it alone. It's been months now and the the fish is fine. I didn't do anything except keep feeding. I haven't lost any of them.

Zionas · Mar 28, 2020

Lucky you. Has the fish recovered? Did you do any QT and how big is your tank?

I’m still pretty afraid of uronema, and my tank is only 3 feet and 85 gallons. Maybe I’ll just do 2 Chromis if I choose to get them. Will they kill each other?

dadnjesse · Mar 28, 2020

Zionas said:
Lucky you. Has the fish recovered? Did you do any QT and how big is your tank?

I’m still pretty afraid of uronema, and my tank is only 3 feet and 85 gallons. Maybe I’ll just do 2 Chromis if I choose to get them. Will they kill each other?

The fish has recovered. I didn't do anything, and mine get along fine they are always swimming together.

Zionas · Mar 28, 2020

Nice! I’m still somewhat tempted to try Chromis. Out of 10 how many would you say have uronema?

Lostreefin · Mar 28, 2020

I was determined to have chromis in my tank and everyone is right about how prevalent uronema is with these fish. I was successful getting 6 of 10 into my display, but it took some effort. I put them straight into my quarantine already dosed with metro, and then started feeding them metro or general cure, all per Humblefish and others' advice on here. It is possible, read up, and go the full time or longer, and don't forget you need to treat for other things in quarantine as well to guarantee you don't add something nasty to your tank.

dadnjesse · Mar 28, 2020

Not the best picture

Hugo’s_Reef · Apr 7, 2020

Retro Reefer said:
I have tried several batches of chromis from different venders (12 in total) lost all but one to uronema.. Seems it’s rampant in chromis these days

Once uronema is introduced to your tank from an addition of a sick Chromis. Let’s say the Chromis doesn’t make it .what did you do to eliminate them so it won’t harm other fish in the future.

for example I added 4 Chromis after I cycled my tank 2 didn’t make it but 2 seem fine .do I just ignore the fact that it’s in the tank .will it harm other fish I add .?? What did you do ?

Lostreefin · Apr 7, 2020

Quarantine is the only way to go, uronema is awful, it sucks, you lose beautiful fish, but I owe it to current inhabitants. Unless I'm mistaken, going fallow doesn't help and there isn't a way to get rid of it except bleaching a drained tank. My two favorite fish are commonly infected with it, anthias and chromis.