Loading map...
♥ Donate

Yellow-brown chromis

Chromis xouthos

Yellow-brown chromis© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Yellow‑brown chromis (Chromis xouthos) is a small, silvery‑brown reef fish that frequents shallow coral heads. It is popular among aquarium hobbyists but rarely targeted by anglers due to its tiny size and modest table value.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Pomacentridae

Max Size

9.2 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

12-50m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Year‑round in tropical waters, with peak activity during warm summer months

Best Time

Early morning and late afternoon when surface feeding is strongest

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Yellow-brown chromis

  • Use ultra‑light tackle (2‑3 ft spin rod) to feel the subtle takes.
  • Present tiny live baits such as brine shrimp or copepods near the surface.
  • Micro jigs or tiny soft‑plastic lures (1‑2 cm) worked with a slow, erratic retrieve work best.
  • Target schools near coral ledges during low light periods for higher strike rates.

Top Fishing Locations for Yellow-brown chromis

Great Barrier Reef - Lizard Island

Australia
beginner85% Very Common

World‑renowned reef with abundant Yellow‑brown chromis around the lagoon reefs, ideal for snorkel‑and‑cast anglers.

Best: March‑May

Kona Coast

USA
intermediate70% Very Common

Clear waters off the west coast of the Big Island host vibrant coral gardens where Chromis xouthos congregate in large schools.

Best: June‑August

Palau – Koror Reefs

Palau
intermediate80% Very Common

Remote coral atolls teeming with reef fish; Yellow‑brown chromis are a constant presence on the outer reef walls.

Best: November‑February

Maldives – Baa Atoll

Maldives
beginner90% Guaranteed

Protected UNESCO biosphere reserve where reef fish density is extremely high; chromis are found throughout the shallow drop‑offs.

Best: January‑April

Red Sea – Ras Mohammed

Egypt
beginner75% Very Common

Vibrant coral gardens in the southern Red Sea attract large schools of Yellow‑brown chromis, especially near the outer reef.

Best: September‑November

Christmas Island

Australia
expert75% Very Common

Isolated Indian Ocean island where the species thrives on the steep drop‑offs; a top destination for dedicated chromis anglers.

Best: December‑February

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Yellow-brown chromis

Recommended Equipment

RodUltra‑light spinning rod, 2‑3 ft, fast action
Line2‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro jigs, tiny soft plastics, or tiny spoons (1‑2 cm)
TechniqueLight jigging or surface casting with a slow, twitching retrieve

Best bait: Live brine shrimp, copepods, or minced shrimp