General information – The Orange Chromide found in Asian brackish water rivers and  Lagoons. 

The Orange Chromide is maybe the only cichlid that is truly brackish water cichlid. If kept in freshwater the

Orange Chromide will lose their appetite, their colors will fade  And they will be prone to diseases. 

The Orange Chromide or by its scientific name Etroplus maculatus has two common color variations,

the original orange strain, and a golden strain. 

Common Name - Orange Chromide 

Scientific Name - Etroplus maculatus 

Family - Cichlidae 

Origin - Southwestern Asia, India and Sri Lanka  

Size – up to 3.5 inches (9 cm) 

First discovered - Bloch, 1795 

Nutrition – Carnivore, will accept commercial food such as flakes and pellets, it is  essential to provide

meaty food, live or frozen food will be ideal for the Orange Chromide 

Behavior – Peaceful   

Maintenance and care – Requires at least 15 gallon tank, need plenty of rocks and caves in order

to find shelter and place to spawn. Their tank can be planted, the Orange Chromide don’t eat plants. 

The Orange Chromide is highly sensitive to sudden changes in the water chemistry,  

Frequent small water changes are recommended. 

Water Parameters – Temperature: 68 F-84 F (20C-29C), PH: 7-9, DH: 15-30 1.5 % - 2 %

addition of salt is essential.  

Breeding – In the breeding season these fish are shiny yellow. 

Higher temperatures (30 C) will induce a couple to breed, they generally lay their eggs

on plants or on vertical rocks.       

The eggs hatch after 4-7 days, Both parents guarding the eggs and fry.