Orange Chromide (Etroplus maculatus)

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Orange Chromide

Etroplus maculatus2527.JPG
Orange Chromide

Etroplus maculatus

114 Litres (30 US G.)

7.6-12.7cm (3-5 ")

pH

8.2 - 8.4

22 -26 °C (71.6-78.8°F)

8-12 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

5-8 years

Family

Cichlidae

This animal is available captive bred



Additional names

Red Chromide, Yellow Chromide, Orange Chromide, Chromide

Additional scientific names

Chaetodon maculatus, Etroplus coruchi


Origin

Primarily found in coastal rivers and lagoons in India and Sri Lanka.


Sexing

The male are typically more colourful/deeper in colour than the female.

Breeding

Kept with six or more of their own kind, Chromides will pair off as they mature. The female will build a nest out of substrate, and both will chase off other fish that come too close. The male will fertilize eggs after the female lays them. After eggs hatch, both parents will protect young for up to a year. Commercial fish farming has produced a more orange strain.


Tank compatibility

These fish are best kept in a sexed pair. Are generally peaceful, but will become defensive if breeding and can hold their own. Shouldn't be kept with overly-aggressive or predatory fish, nor with very small fish.


Diet

Will eat small, live shrimp, and pick at larger snails. Flakes, frozen, and flakes are also acceptable.


Feeding regime

May be fed up to three times daily.


Environment specifics

While born in freshwater, will advance to saltier water as maturity progresses. Best kept in a brackish environment in captivity. Provide plenty of hiding places. May nibble at plants.


Behaviour

Semi-aggressive. Usually will not harm tank mates, rather chase them off. May attempt to bite other fish, if Chromide offspring are threatened. Some caution should be taken, as they do have teeth.


Identification

An oval shaped fish with translucent fins. The body colour varies in vibrancy but should generally be orange in colour, this can range from quite pale orange to red. Wild fish are olive-green in colour. Those with wild bloodlines may have darker patches on top of the orange colouration.

Images

External links