Blacksmith
Chromis punctipinnis

Physical Description

Long perch-shaped fish
Back is dark blue, almost black in color; sides are bluish-gray
Have a long and undivided dorsal (top) fin
Scales from mid-body to tail, as well as dorsal and tail fins, have black spots on them
Often have a light blue border visible around the fins
Adult males guarding eggs change to be almost white in color with dark band around each eye
Juvenile blacksmiths are brighter, with blue-black coloration with a light-brown or orange tail

Range

Habitat

Found in inshore waters
Prefer rocky reefs and manmade structures like oil rigs
Often gather at night in small crevices, caves, under ledges, or other protected spaces
Young fish are often in kelp beds
Found at depths of 270 feet, but more common from surface to 147.5 feet

Reproduction

Believed to be sexually mature around 2 years old and 5 inches long
Spawning mainly in the summer
Male prepares a nesting area, female lays salmon-colored eggs
Male guards the eggs until they hatch and join plankton as larvae
Male guarding eggs changes color to be almost white in color with dark band around each eye

Diet

Predators

Least terns, cormorants, bald eagles, California Sea Lions, harbor seals, and larger fish

Interesting Facts

Blacksmith often school in large numbers in open water.
Blacksmith let señorita fish and some surfperch clean them, and juvenile blacksmith sometimes clean other fish.

Sources: Aquarium of the Pacific; Oregon Coast Aquarium; Pierfishing.com

Photo: Derek Tarr