Green chromide - Etroplus suratensis

Scientific name: Etroplus suratensis

Common name: Green chromide

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 25 - 30 cm (9.84 - 11.81 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 8 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 12 - 26°N (214.29 - 464.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Quality flakes and pellets can provide the staple diet. Vegetable matter should also be given in the form of spinach, peas, and lettuce. Green chromides will also accept treats of blood worms and brine shrimp.

Origin

Southern India: Green chromides are found in the fresh and brackish water habitats.

Sexing

There are no visible differences between the sexes.

Breeding

Green chromides are classed as open water spawners but may use caves as their spawning sites. Normally the eggs will be deposited on a flat rock which has previously been cleaned by the parents. The eggs should hatch after 36 hours and the fry will be free swimming a few days later. The fry can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp, rotifers or crushed flake.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Etroplus suratensis is 5-8 years.

Short description

Etroplus suratensis can tolerate freshwater for short periods of time but prefers brackish conditions. Use fine sand for the substrate and provide hiding places with caves or wood. Open swimming spaces must be provided. Green chromide lives in a brackish water. Even though they are aggressive in small tanks, they are peaceful in big tanks when there are at least 6 of Green chromide fish.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.