The Chromis Debacle: Solved?

A couple days ago, I was browsing LiveAquaria and came across something interesting. 2 chromis species looking exactly the same!


Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Black Axil Chromis, Chromis atripectoralis
Chromis atripectoralis

AND

Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Blue/Green Reef Chromis
Chromis viridis (commonly refered to as the true Blue/Green Chromis)

I immediately rushed to my tank and noticed that I in fact owned BOTH these species in my school of [STRIKE]5[/STRIKE] 2 "green chromis".
A couple days later, at the LFS, I noticed both these specie in the generic chromis cube.
Could this be the issue? Could species competition be the mystery killer? I wanna hear your ideas...

 

Interesting. I'll have to check my school of 7 when I get home lol

 

How long have you had your school? A few people on here swear they just end up killing eachother!?

 

Little over a month. I've tried before in my old tank and they have picked each other off I until one was left. This time I bought bigger chromis and so far so good. Hope to keep this bunch for the long haul.

 

The black axils have a black dot under their fins.

I'd love to see if other people have mixed groups.

 

I think you have something, here... I bought 2 the same size last July. I thought the slight difference in color was because of sex. Then one grew larger than the other and finally bullied the smaller one to death just last month. Seeing the pics, I know now I had those 2 species mixed. The Black Axil is what I have left.

 

Everyone of mine is the "standard chromis"
Maybe that's why they are playing nice.
I agree, you might be onto something with this.

 

I guess there's no chance of LA taking a picture of the same species (under different lighting) and labeling it the opposite? All accidently of course.

 

Not to be a downer, but give it more than a month. I've known too many people that didn't have 2 different species still end up with just one (including me).

 

Oh I know. I totally agree with you. I'm just saying in past experiences with them by this time one or two would have disappeared. Im keeping my hopes up with this bunch