ORIGIN
Believed to be only present in and around the Indian subcontinent, this species of fish I am talking about is one of the few Indian cichlids. Red or yellow chromide is the trade name for them possibly because of the less orangey variants. "Etroplus maculatus" as they are known as scientifically, are rampantly present in freshwater estuaries and brackish waters too. The specimens I had received as a gift on 2018 was from the father of one of my favorite student when the gentleman returning back to Silchar from Hailakandi laid down his hands upon 20-25 of them. Knowing my craze for fishes he instantly bought them for me but with the lack of space, I resold them to my local LPS after 12-14 days. The species is mostly present down the southern part of India with the highest concentration in the states of Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, etc. They're also present in the Sri Lankan region too.
SIZE
Although smaller in size to the green chromide they can easily reach a standard size of 3-4 inches with males being slightly larger than females.
There are differences of opinion upon which gender has more prominent stripes and features.
FEEDING HABIT
They are famous for being a cleaner fish. They're found to be coexisting with the green chromide as a cleaner of their eggs and their bodies. In the wild, they also feed upon the algae and diatomaceous organic matter.
In aquariums, they happily feed upon the blood worms, daphnias, and even algae wafers. A variety of diet is important to maintain healthy individuals. I have read feeding them boiled and mashed vegetables too.
HEALTH
To maintain their optimal health, care should be taken to ensure proper quality of water. Water quality should be very good with a weekly WC schedule of around 50%. This fishes do not like an extremely acidic environment and may suffer from many diseases. A neutral pH with a balanced amount of minerals is excellent for their health.
VARIETIES
Although not too many varieties do exists, however few that are present are either too faded or not too showy like the wild varieties. I can assure you that the wild varieties are more beautiful and striking than the damp yellows or reds found in the aquarium trade. Reports of them coloring up more prominently during the mating season do exists but however I won't take the guarantee as I never had read any such convincing articles or stories.
TANKMATES
Generally considered to be a hierarchical species, co-species aggression is present to the extent that the weakest one will be bullied 24/7. It's best to keep them in a group of 10+ individuals so that the aggression is diluted. A large enough aquarium of 40 gallons is enough for a group of 8-10.
Guppies, mollies, swordtails and other less aggressive species are best suited for them. More aggressive and larger species are best avoided to make them feel nervous. A hierarchy might not be established if other more aggressive fishes are kept with them.
BREEDING
A thread-like filamentous structure is used to bind the cluster of eggs that the female lays. It's best to separate the eggs from the parents if they try to consume them; however, they are famous for being good parents with brood care being extended till the juveniles reach a hefty size
The parents are known to protect their eggs and offspring with rather extreme conditions.
DISEASES
Fin rot is a very common problem associated with bad water quality. As being already said a tight WC schedule will solve most of the problems. Since the sandy substrate is the preferred type, therefore vacuuming out the dirt and debris is of utmost importance. Optimal pH help solve other health-related issues.
CONCLUSION
This is a very active and beautiful species to have in your tank if you're ready to have the tight WC schedule. The species add vibrancy and vigor to the tank where it will be kept. A must-have at some point of your aquascaping life.
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