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Blacksmith Perch
The blacksmith (Chromis punctipinnis) is a fish native to the eastern Pacific Ocean. Its range is from Monterey Bay, California, to central Baja California, Mexico.
The blacksmith reaches a maximum size of 25 cm and is dark blue. The blacksmith is symbiotic with the senorita fish. When it feels that it is starting to deteriorate in hygiene it will turn until it is perpendicular to the ground. The senorita fish will then commence cleaning the blacksmith.
Statistics
They can reach 30cm (12in) in length.
Physical Description
Blacksmiths have dark blue-black colored bodies with small black spots towards the tail and large scales. Young fish (to 5cm), are two-tone with a bluey-grey front and a brownish-orange rear. They have forked tails.
Distribution
They are found in the eastern Pacific from Monterey Bay, California to Baja California, Mexico.
Habitat
They live near to the sea bed over rocks, especially steep banks, to depths of 46m. They also inhabit kelp beds.
Diet
They eat marine algae and zooplankton.
Behaviour
The blacksmith rests in rocky crevices during the night. They are known to be territorial and, although small, act aggressively towards other fish. Young fish are pelagic and form schools.
Reproduction
Blacksmiths spawn during summer and autumn. The male cleans a nesting site, then herds a female to it. After spawning, the male guards the eggs until they hatch.
