Etroplus maculatus (Orange Chromide) — 4–5 cm

Overview

The Orange Chromide is a peaceful, medium-sized cichlid native to southern India and Sri Lanka. Known for its vivid orange-yellow body and subtle spotting, this species reaches a size of approximately 3–5 inches (7.6–13 cm), with most wild specimens maxing out around 9 cm   It thrives in freshwater or lightly brackish conditions and is valued in the aquarium hobby for its unique coloration and parental care.

Care Instructions

• Tank Size: Start with a minimum of 30 gallons (114 liters) for pairs or small groups Water Conditions:

• • Temperature: 20–28 °C (68–82 °F)  pH: Slightly alkaline range, 7.0–8.5

  • Hardness: Moderately hard water, around 8–20° dH  Optional brackish conditions (≈1–1.5% salt) enhance comfort and coloration  Aquarium Setup:

• • Provide a mix of open swimming areas and planted ordecorative shelter (rocks, driftwood, roots).

  • Use sandy or fine substrate and add floating plants for diffused lighting  

• Diet: Omnivorous—offer a varied diet including high-quality flakes, pellets, vegetable matter (spirulina, blanched greens), and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia. Color-enhancing foods rich in carotenoids bring out their best hues  

• Behavior & Compatibility:

  • Generally peaceful, suitable for community tanks with small, non-aggressive species  

  • Keep in pairs or small groups to encourage natural behaviors and reduce stress  

  • Mildly territorial during breeding; ensure ample shelter and don’t pair them with aggressive tankmates  Breeding & Parental Care:

• • Substrate spawners—eggs are deposited on flat rocks or wood.

  • Both parents care for eggs and fry; fry feed on parental mucus—a fascinating behavior similar to discus  Lifespan: 5–8 years in well-maintained tanks