Log-in or register your account to remove these ads! Its free and an e-mail isn't required.

Etroplus maculatus

From The Aquarium Wiki

Jump to: navigation, search
Orange Chromide
Orange Chromide
Species Etroplus maculatus
Family Cichlidae
Difficulty Moderate
Min. Tank Size 113.562 liters
113,562.353 mL

30 US Gallons (113.6L)

Size 12.7 cm

3-5 " (7.6-12.7cm)

sg 1.003 - 1.010
pH 8.2 - 8.4
Temp. 295.15 K
71.6 °F
531.27 °R

299.15 K
78.8 °F
538.47 °R
22 -26 °C (71.6-78.8°F)

Water Hardness

8-12 °d

Stocking Ratio 1:1 M:F
Availability Uncommon
Diet

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

Life Span

5-8 years

Habitat

Asia


Contents

[edit] Alternate Names

Red Chromide, Yellow Chromide, Orange Chromide, Chromide

[edit] Synonyms

Chaetodon maculatus, Etroplus coruchi

[edit] Sexing

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

[edit] Origin

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

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Diet

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

[edit] Feeding regime

May be fed up to three times daily.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Images

[edit] External links

brackish water