{"product_id":"orange-chromide-cichlid-etroplus-maculatus","title":"Orange Chromide Cichlid - Etroplus maculatus","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eOrange Chromide Cichlid – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudetroplus maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrange Chromide Cichlid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a small, peaceful Asian cichlid with warm orange, yellow or greenish body colour, dark spotting and fascinating social behaviour. Correctly listed as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudetroplus maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, but still widely sold as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEtroplus maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this species is very different from most South American or African dwarf cichlids. It is best kept in a mature hardwater or lightly brackish aquarium with calm tank mates, clean water and a proper group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Orange Chromide Cichlid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Orange Chromide, Spotted Etroplus, Red Chromide, Pearl-spot, Orange Chromid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudetroplus maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOlder \/ Trade Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEtroplus maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Asian Cichlid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freshwater \/ Brackish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudetroplus maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is native to southern India and Sri Lanka. It occurs in lagoons, small streams, lower river reaches, estuaries and coastal waters, and is often found among marginal roots, weeds and sheltered vegetation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, Orange Chromides are best kept in mature hardwater or lightly brackish setups with stable water quality, gentle to moderate flow, plants that tolerate mineral-rich water, smooth stones, wood, roots and open swimming areas. They can be kept in freshwater if the water is hard and alkaline, but they are often at their best in low-end brackish conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrange Chromides have a rounded, laterally compressed cichlid body with a small mouth and neat fins. Body colour can range from yellow, orange and gold to olive-green or greenish-brown, with dark spots or blotches across the body. Breeding or well-settled fish may show stronger orange colour, and females may show white edging to the tail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdults usually reach around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7–9.5 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, making them a smaller cichlid but still larger and more robust than most nano fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is best suited to mature hardwater aquariums, low-end brackish community tanks, Asian biotope-style displays and peaceful specialist cichlid setups. It is a good choice for customers looking for an unusual cichlid that is generally calmer than many similarly sized species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrange Chromides are not suitable for soft acidic blackwater aquariums, tiny nano tanks, aggressive cichlid communities, predator aquariums, immature aquariums or setups where salinity and mineral content fluctuate unpredictably.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA practical minimum is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e120 litres for a small group\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e90 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e150 litres or more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are preferred for groups, breeding pairs and mixed brackish communities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep in a group of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat least 5–6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e where possible. They are social fish, and group keeping helps spread territorial behaviour. Pairs may form within the group and become more defensive when breeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 24–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 7.2–8.2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderately hard to hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freshwater if hard and alkaline, but low-end brackish conditions are often preferred\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Stable mineral-rich water is important. If kept brackish, use proper marine salt mix rather than aquarium tonic salt, and keep salinity stable. Avoid soft acidic water, sudden salinity swings, poor oxygenation and high nitrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrange Chromides are generally peaceful for cichlids, but they can become territorial when breeding. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful hardwater or low-end brackish fish such as mollies, knight gobies with care, bumblebee gobies in suitable setups, wrestling halfbeaks, peaceful livebearers, smaller rainbowfish in compatible water and other calm fish too large to be bullied or swallowed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid soft-water tetras, delicate Cory-type catfish, tiny rasboras, shrimp, aggressive cichlids, large predators and fin-nipping species. Do not mix them with fish that need soft acidic water or very different salinity conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrange Chromides are omnivores. Offer quality cichlid flakes, small pellets, spirulina flakes, algae-based foods and fine granules as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae, bloodworm and small mysis.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInclude vegetable and algae-based foods regularly, as the species naturally feeds on algae, zooplankton and small animal foods. A varied diet helps maintain colour, condition and breeding readiness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is social, alert and often more peaceful than many cichlids of similar size. Groups may move together through the aquarium, graze from surfaces and interact around plants, roots and décor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePairs may become territorial when spawning. Orange Chromides are biparental substrate spawners, and adults may guard eggs and fry. Breeding fish can become more defensive, so provide sight breaks and space if keeping a group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdd Orange Chromides only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Keep water clean, mineral-rich and stable. If running a brackish setup, maintain salinity consistently and avoid mixing with freshwater species that cannot tolerate salt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is often sold under the older name \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEtroplus maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, so using both names in product search fields will help customers find it. It is best presented as a hardwater or brackish specialist, not as a general tropical community cichlid.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOccasional \/ Specialist import or captive-bred colour strain when available\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, orange colour, spotting, body tone, fin edging, sex, age and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43720114765898,"sku":"AG-103576","price":9.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43720114798666,"sku":"AG-103577","price":12.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43720114831434,"sku":"AG-103578","price":16.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/OrangeChromideCichlid-Etroplusmaculatus_1.jpg?v=1781779740","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/orange-chromide-cichlid-etroplus-maculatus","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}