Fish Identification Photos: Oval Chromis, Oval Damselfish, Silverstripe Chromis, Chromis alta: The Oval Chromis or Oval Damselfish is characterized by is oval body (similar in nature to all Chromis and similar to a freshwater bluegill), a small oblique mouth, and coloration that varies from offwhite to brown.

The fish pictured below upon collection was brown above the prominent lateral line and tan below; it quickly turned to all brown. The Oval Chromis or Oval Damselfish has a light colored stripe that follows the base of the dorsal fins, and a yellow line that runs just below the bottom of the eyes. The Oval Chromis or Oval Damselfish has a very pronounced cheek preopercullum, and the fins are the same color as the body. Due to its color variations, it might be confused with the Giant Damselfish, Microspathodon dorsalis (dark grey blue with white fin tips) or Limbaugh’s Damselfish, Chromis limbaughi (pointed anal, caudal and dorsal fins that are pointed).

The Oval Chromis or Oval Damselfish is a member of a group of small, very colorful reef fishes found throughout the subtropical and tropical regions of the world’s oceans that make up the Pomacentridae or Damselfish Family.

The Oval Chromis or Oval Damselfish is found only in deep water from 75 to 500 feet deep in the water column in rocky structure. It reaches a length of 8 inches. In Mexico, it is found on the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula south of Magdalena Bay, in all waters on the eastern side of the peninsula south of Santa Rosalia, in the waters of the mainland south of Acapulco, and around all oceanic islands.

Oval Chromis, Oval Damselfish, Silverstripe Chromis, Chromis alta: Caught with Captain Pata in the panga Salome, at La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in 85-degree water, in September 2004, in 300-foot deep water utilizing a 30-pound test with 40-pound two dropper loop rig, with swivel, 8-ounce bank sinker, and Mustad 92553 hooks, size 2/0 on cut squid, 5 miles south of La Playita. Size approximately 6 inches. Description and photos courtesy John Snow.