Orange Chromide

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Coastal rivers, lagoons, and mangrove swamps of southern India and Sri Lanka, in quiet areas.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Cichlidae, subfamily Etroplinae. Oval, compressed body shape. Grows to a maximum of 8 cm.

Social Behavior: Relatively peaceful for a cichlid. They form strong pair bonds and defend their immediate nesting sites.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Bright yellow-orange body with a prominent black spot on the middle of the side. Virtually no external dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Provide sand, flat rocks, and clay pots to act as spawning sites. Driftwood can be used to divide territories.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivore. Demands algae, spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, mixed with frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms.

Water Quality: Best kept in hard, alkaline water. Light brackish conditions (SG 1.002-1.005) are highly beneficial for their health.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Suitable for community tanks with peaceful brackish fish like mollies and glassfish. Avoid aggressive tankmates.

Aquarium Breeding: Substrate spawner. Eggs are glued to a flat surface. Both parents guard the eggs and fry, providing excellent care.

Risks and Diseases: Susceptible to ich if kept in sub-optimal temperatures or soft water. Stable parameters are required.