Oval Chromis *Endemic to Hawaii (Chromis ovalis)
Breeding aggregations of Oval chromis were observed during the months of April & October between 2004-2009 at the same depth and location of a coral reef along the Kona Coast of the Big Island. Males performed courtship behavior, which included dramatic color changes to attract the females. Once mating occurred, females deposited their eggs in areas prepared by the males. Her job completed, the males took over care, vigorously defending them against any intruders. Three to four days later the "fry" could be observed schooling a specific, shallow area of the reef near large Porites lobata formations where they could hide in it's crevices from predators.
Oval Chromis *Endemic to Hawaii (Chromis ovalis)
Breeding aggregations of Oval chromis were observed during the months of April & October between 2004-2009 at the same depth and location of a coral reef along the Kona Coast of the Big Island. Males performed courtship behavior, which included dramatic color changes to attract the females. Once mating occurred, females deposited their eggs in areas prepared by the males. Her job completed, the males took over care, vigorously defending them against any intruders. Three to four days later the "fry" could be observed schooling a specific, shallow area of the reef near large Porites lobata formations where they could hide in it's crevices from predators.