Green chromide - Etroplus suratensis

Scientific name: Etroplus suratensis

Common name: Green chromide

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 30 cm (7.87 - 11.81 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 7.6 - 8.4

Recommended water hardness: 8 - 20°N (142.86 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Short description

The Green Chromide is a large, schooling South Asian cichlid adapted to brackish environments. It is calmer than most big cichlids but becomes territorial when breeding. Keep it in groups of 6 to diffuse aggression and encourage natural shoaling. In freshwater it may survive short-term, but long-term health and coloration are markedly better in true brackish water.

Minimum tank size & aquascape

• Minimum tank (shoal 6 ): 450–600 L (≥150–180 cm length). Oversize filtration and strong oxygenation are recommended.
• Layout: Sandy substrate, smooth rocks/driftwood, robust brackish-tolerant plants, and long open lanes for swimming.
• Décor tips: Provide several flat stones or tiles for spawning; floating plants help reduce glare and stress.

Water parameters (with salinity guidance)

Aim for alkaline, moderately hard water. For brackish, use a marine salt mix (never table salt). Typical specific gravity (SG) for long-term care:

• Low-brackish: SG 1.003–1.006 (TDS ~3–8 g/L)
• Mid-brackish: SG 1.007–1.012 for adults and communities with scats/monos

Target pH 7.6–8.4; hardness 8–20 °dGH. Keep nitrate low with 30–50% weekly water changes and stable salinity (top up evaporation with RO/DI to avoid creeping SG).

Diet (Food & feeding)

An omnivore with a strong herbivorous tendency. Offer high-quality spirulina or algae-based pellets, seaweed sheets (Nori), and blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, peas). Supplement 2–3× weekly with protein such as mysis, krill, chopped prawn, or quality frozen mixes. Use bloodworms only occasionally. Frequent grazing keeps them in good condition.

Behavior & compatibility

• Schooling: Best in groups; solitary individuals can become skittish or nippy.
• Tank mates (brackish): Monodactylus argenteus/sebae (monos), Scatophagus argus/Sebastiscus spp. (scats; mind size), large mollies, archerfish (Toxotes, with size parity), Orange Chromide (Etroplus maculatus, robust strain/size).
• Avoid: Tiny fish/shrimp (may be eaten), aggressive predators, and purely freshwater species if you’re running brackish.

Sexing

External sex differences are subtle; mature males may develop slightly longer dorsal/anal extensions and appear slimmer, while females are deeper-bodied when ripe. Venting is the most reliable method.

Breeding

• Mode: Biparental substrate spawner (open-layer).
• Site: Cleaned flat rock, tile, or broad leaf.
• Incubation: ~36–48 h at ~27 °C; free-swimming after 4–6 days.
• Care: Both parents guard eggs and fry. Start fry on rotifers/infusoria, then newly hatched brine shrimp and finely powdered foods.
• Note: Slightly lower salinity (low-brackish to hard freshwater) can be used during rearing; keep conditions stable.

Plants (brackish-tolerant)

Use resilient species that handle mineral-rich water and some salinity: Cryptocoryne ciliata, Vallisneria spp., Microsorum pteropus (Java fern), Anubias spp., Hygrophila spp., and floating plants (e.g., Pistia, Salvinia). Mangrove propagules (Rhizophora) are an option in higher brackish setups.

Care level

Intermediate. Success depends on maintaining appropriate salinity, group size, and a greens-forward diet with excellent filtration and oxygenation.

Picture

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