Although they are commonly smaller fish, they can get up to 9 in (22.9 cm) in length, and are grey in color with a blue iridescent, metallic like finish.[3] The younger fish have a yellow dorsal fin with blue tips on it while the older ones on the other hand get more dull in color as they get older.[3] This species feeds on plankton including copepods.[4] This species has high haplotype diversities.[2]
Chromis ovalis is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and tends to live near remote islands.[3] They can be found as schools in rocky areas as deep as 20 feet.[5]
The males of this species create nests which are around 3 feet apart in short term nesting areas.[5] In order for the males to get a mate, similar to a mating dance, the male jumps to gain the females attention, if the female is interested then she follows the male to the nesting area to lay her eggs.[5]
