Canara Pearlspot Breeding Guide

Etroplus canarensis is a biparental substrate-spawning Indian cichlid that attaches eggs to rock and is bred commercially in Southeast Asia.

Overview

The Canara pearlspot is a small cichlid endemic to South Karnataka in India, and unlike other Etroplus members it lives in fresh water exclusively. Wikipedia lists it as IUCN Endangered (2011) with a maximum size of about 11.5 cm TL. According to Seriously Fish it is a biparental substrate spawner that forms weak, temporary pair bonds during the reproductive period, and commercial breeding in Southeast Asia has helped reduce pressure on wild stocks.

Sexing

Sexual dimorphism is subtle. Seriously Fish notes that adult males tend to be a little larger and slightly heavier in build than females. Sexual maturity is reached at around 24 months of age.

Conditioning

In nature the fish are thought to breed during December and January, when temperatures are cooler. Breeders simulate this seasonal change by maintaining stable temperatures and then performing several daily changes of 20-25 % of the tank volume using cooler water to trigger spawning.

Breeding Setup

Provide rockwork with broad, sheltered surfaces, since eggs are normally deposited on the side or top of a rock. The pair selects and defends a site, so the tank should give the chosen pair enough space to establish and guard a territory.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

During courtship a spawning site is selected and defended against intruders. Eggs are attached to the rock by short filaments. Males may spawn with multiple females where available, but both parents defend the spawning site after spawning.

Egg & Fry Care

Seriously Fish reports incubation of approximately 4 days at 26.7 °C (80 °F), with the fry becoming free-swimming a further 2-3 days later. Once free-swimming, the fry accept Artemia nauplii and similar foods immediately.