Chromis hanui Randall & Swerdloff, 1973

Taxonomic History

This species was formerly known as Chromis hanui Randall & Swerdloff, 1973, and is currently classified as Pycnochromis hanui.

Size and Body Shape

It reaches a maximum total length of 6.0 cm, with an oval-shaped body, a pointed snout, and a forked tail.

Fin Ray Count

It has 12 dorsal spines, 13 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and between 13 and 14 anal soft rays.

Common Name Etymology

Its common name, Chocolate-dip Chromis, refers to its distinctive appearance: the front half of its body looks as if it has been dipped in chocolate.

Base Coloration

The species is overall brown, with a black spot at the base of the pectoral fin.

Caudal Region Coloration

The caudal fin, caudal peduncle, and the adjacent sections of the dorsal and anal fins are white.

Nuptial Male Traits

Nuptial males develop a yellowish-brown zone in the center of their body and bright eyes.

Egg Guarding Behavior

Males guard the eggs and remove waste from them to keep the eggs healthy.

Diet

Pycnochromis hanui is a planktivore.

Endemic Range

This species is endemic to Hawaii.

Adult Habitat

Adult Chocolate-dip Chromis inhabit both inshore and offshore reefs, where they form large groups that swim above corals.

Depth and Latitudinal Range

They occur at scuba-accessible depths from 6 to 50 meters, in the latitudinal range 28°N to 17°N.