Canara Pearlspot (Etroplus canarensis) Care Guide
Etroplus canarensis is a small, endangered freshwater cichlid endemic to southern Karnataka in India, finely banded over a pale body.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Etroplus canarensis, the Canara Pearlspot, is a small Indian cichlid that, unlike its brackish-tolerant relatives, is found in freshwater only. It reaches about 11.5 cm total length and carries fine banding over a pale body.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Etroplus
- Scientific name: Etroplus canarensis
- Described by F. Day, 1877
Habitat
The species is endemic to South Karnataka in India and lives in freshwater habitats, in contrast to other members of the genus that tolerate brackish conditions. Its range is restricted to this region.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L (about 40 gal)
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Compatibility
It is a middle-water, semi-aggressive cichlid usually kept as a conspecific pair. Boisterous tankmates should be avoided.
Breeding
Like other Etroplus it is a substrate spawner. There have been reports of breeding in captivity, but detailed reproductive data for this species are limited.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered. The species' restricted endemic range in southern Karnataka makes it vulnerable to habitat change.
Canara Pearlspot Breeding Guide
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.