Green Chromide (Etroplus suratensis) Care Guide
Etroplus suratensis is a large euryhaline cichlid from peninsular India and Sri Lanka, kept in brackish or hard freshwater tanks in groups.
Overview
Etroplus suratensis, the Green Chromide, is one of only a few cichlids native to Asia. It occurs in fresh and brackish waters of peninsular India and Sri Lanka, and was declared the official state fish of Kerala in 2010. The species commonly reaches around 20 cm, with the maximum length roughly twice that. It is a popular food fish across its range.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Etroplus
- Scientific name: Etroplus suratensis
- Described by Bloch, 1790
Habitat
It is a euryhaline species of river deltas, brackish estuaries, coastal lagoons and the lower reaches of rivers, and also occurs in pure freshwater. Native populations are recorded from regions such as Kerala, Goa and Chilika Lake in Odisha. It has been introduced beyond its native range, including in Singapore.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (about 106 gal)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.5
- GH: 10-25 °dGH
- Group size: gregarious; keep in groups
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
In the wild the Green Chromide is largely herbivorous, grazing on aquatic plants, filamentous algae and diatoms, with occasional mollusks and other animal matter. In aquaria it grazes aufwuchs and accepts prepared foods, small live or frozen items such as bloodworm, Tubifex and Artemia, and vegetable matter including Spirulina and peas.
Compatibility
It is a middle-water, relatively peaceful cichlid outside of breeding and will not predate on any but the smallest fishes, though it becomes territorial when spawning. Suitable companions are robust, brackish-tolerant species; tiny nano fish should be avoided. Because of its adult size it is best suited to very large aquaria.
Breeding
The species is a biparental substrate spawner that forms temporary pair bonds and shows attentive parental care, with broods sometimes guarded by several adults. Eggs hatch in roughly 48-72 hours and the fry become free-swimming a few days later. Sexual maturity is reached at about one year.