Green Chromide (Etroplus suratensis)

From The Aquarium Wiki

Contents 1 Alternative names 1.1 Synonyms 2 Sexing 3 Tank compatibility 4 Diet 5 Feeding regime 6 Environment Specifics 7 Behaviour 8 Identification 9 Pictures 10 External links

Alternative names

Green Chromide, Banded Chromide

Synonyms

Chaetodon suratensis, Etroplus meleagris

Sexing

Can only be sexed when spawning by viewing the shape of the genital papilla.

Tank compatibility

This is a shoaling fish that should be kept in groups of 6 or more. Smaller groups can result in the fish fighting amongst themselves. Can be kept with other peaceful but robust brackish tank mates such as Scats, Archerfish and Monos. However, large active fish such as Scats can prevent E.Suratensis from spawning. Can also co-exist with the related Orange Chromide (Etroplus maculatus), but will likewise prevent the smaller fish from spawning.

Diet

Feed often with diverse vegetable matter such as frozen chopped spinach, peas or grated carrot. Some flake and pellet food is appropriate but minimize protein to avoid overloading the filter.

Feeding regime

They are not fussy eaters and will consume most things.

Environment Specifics

Maintain in brackish water with good filtration and aeration. Salt can inhibit good filter function so plan excess capacity.

Salt levels should be about 1/10 of normal sea-salt concentration. Use only aquarium-grade sea salt and not food-grade. Increased salt levels can help fight / prevent infection, but reduce filter efficiency.

Behaviour

They tend to swim in circles so tank width is important - 60 x 60 x 90 cm minimum tank size for a group of six.

Undemanding cave spawners. Female lays up to 200 small eggs (1-1.5 mm) inside large flower pot or similar. Both parents tend the eggs.

The female secretes a mucus layer on her sides, which the fry feed on. Large clutches will sometimes cause damage to mother's skin and scales. Eventually she chases them away at a size of 10-12mm.

The other adults generally stay out of the way and do not molest the youngsters much as they grow, but older juveniles will sometimes eat a complete batch of eggs or fry.

Identification

Some references cite sizes up to 40cm (15.7"), but even large installations such as the London Aquarium include few specimens over 20cm (7.9").

Pictures

External links

• Fishbase (Mirrors: )

• Mongabay
• Aqua Fish
• Wikipedia