Green Chromide (Etroplus suratensis)

Origin

Green chromide (Etroplus suratensis) is thought to have originated in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, where they can be found in schools swimming around brackish and freshwater environments, including coastal and estuarine areas.. Warm waters, abundant food sources, and plenty of places to hide and explore make these areas ideal for these fish. Green chromides are still found in the wild despite their popularity as pets, and their populations are thought to be stable. 

Appearance & Size

Green chromides are a stunning species of fish known for their vibrant green coloration and sleek, streamlined bodies. They have a distinctive appearance, with a rounded head and a streamlined body that tapers towards the tail. 

These fish are distinguished by two large eyes, a small mouth, and a dorsal fin that runs the length of their bodies. Depending on their mood and environment, the green chromides can also display various shades of green, ranging from light to dark. Some people have a metallic sheen that adds to their beauty and appeal.

A fully grown Green Chromide is typically 15-20 centimeters (6-8 inches) long, though it can sometimes grow up to 30 centimeters (12 inches). Genetics, diet, and environmental conditions can all influence the size of the fish.

Genders

Green chromides, like many other fish species, have sexual dimorphism, which means that males and females can be distinguished by their appearance. Male green chromides are typically more extensive and vibrant than females, with a larger dorsal fin and other physical characteristics. 

In general, determining the gender of green chromides can be difficult, especially in younger fish. With practice, however, hobbyists may distinguish between male and female individuals based on their size, coloration, and other physical characteristics. 

Behavior

Green chromides are well-known for their calm and social behavior and are active and energetic swimmers who move around the aquarium in groups or schools. They are also non-aggressive, making them a good fit for tanks with other peaceful fish. 

Green chromides are diurnal fish, meaning they are most active during the day and less active at night. They are also shy and may hide when first introduced to a new aquarium, but they quickly acclimate and become more active. 

Tankmates

Green chromides are peaceful and social fish that do well in community aquariums with other temperate fish species. When choosing tankmates for your green chromides, it’s important to consider compatibility in terms of size, behavior, and water chemistry. 

Some good tankmates for green chromides include:

• Mollies (Poecilia spp.): Mollies are adaptable and can thrive in both freshwater and brackish conditions. They are peaceful and come in various colors and patterns.
• Knight Goby (Stigmatogobius sadanundio): A brackish water goby that is relatively peaceful and can coexist with Green Chromides.
• Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius spp.): These are small gobies that prefer brackish conditions. However, they can be territorial, so ensure there’s enough space and hiding spots.
• Archers (Toxotes spp.): These fish are known for their ability to “shoot” water at insects above the water surface. They are generally peaceful with other fish of similar size.
• Monos (Monodactylus spp.): Mono fish are schooling fish that prefer brackish to marine conditions as they mature.
• Scats (Scatophagus argus): They are hardy brackish water fish that can adapt to various conditions. However, they can grow quite large, so ensure the tank is spacious enough.
• Indian Glassy Fish (Parambassis ranga): These are transparent fish that can tolerate a range of water conditions, including brackish.
• Orange Chromide (Etroplus maculatus): A smaller relative of the Green Chromide, they can coexist peacefully in the same tank.
• Four-Eyed Fish (Anableps anableps): They are unique surface-dwelling fish that can tolerate brackish water.
• Wrestling Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla): These livebearers are suitable for brackish setups and are generally peaceful.

It’s also important to avoid keeping green chromides with aggressive or territorial fish, leading to stress, injury, or even death.

Tank conditions

Green chromides are hardy fish capable of adapting to various aquarium conditions. However, providing them with the proper conditions is important to promote their health and well-being. 

A 20-gallon tank is recommended for a small school of green chromides, and larger tanks are required if you intend to keep a larger group or other species of fish. 

It is also important to provide a good filtration system and to perform regular water changes to remove waste and other contaminants. Green chromides prefer water with a pH between 7.0 and 8.0 and a temperature between 74°F and 82°F. 

They also prefer a well-oxygenated environment and moderate water flow. Additionally, plenty of hiding places and cover in the form of live or artificial plants, rocks, and other aquarium decorations are required. 

Diet

The diet of green chromides is simple, and they are generally thought to be omnivorous feeders. They feed on tiny organisms in their natural habitat, including zooplankton, insects, and crustaceans. 

Providing a varied diet in the aquarium is important to ensure good health and vibrant coloration. These fish will benefit from a diet that includes both commercial dry and wet foods and live or frozen foods.

High-quality pellet or flake food is a good dry food option, while frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms are good. Overfeeding should be avoided because it can lead to health problems and poor water quality in the aquarium. A few small feedings per day, rather than one large feeding, will help to ensure that your green chromides get the nutrients they require while not overburdening the aquarium.

Breeding

Green chromides are relatively easy to breed in an aquarium, but success rates vary depending on the conditions. Changes in water parameters, such as temperature, pH, or water hardness, can often trigger breeding, helping to stimulate the breeding conditions found in their natural habitat.

To breed green chromides, you must provide them with a large, well-maintained aquarium and a varied and nutritious diet. Adequate hiding places and caves should also be provided to help reduce stress and improve the fish’s overall health and well-being.

When the fish are ready to breed, the male will court the female and lay the eggs on a flat surface, such as a rock or a leaf. The male will then fertilize the eggs, which the pair will guard until they hatch. During this time, it is important to keep the water clean and stable, as changes in water parameters can harm the developing eggs.

The fry will be free-swimming after the eggs hatch, requiring a nutritious diet to grow and develop properly. To ensure that the fry receives the necessary nutrients, feed them a diet consisting of live or frozen food, such as brine shrimp or daphnia.

Diseases

The Green Chromide is a relatively hardy species; however, like any other fish, it can be susceptible to certain diseases if not kept in proper conditions. Ich, a parasitic infection that causes white spots on the body, fin and tail rot caused by poor water conditions, and bacterial infections such as columnaris are all common illnesses to be aware of. 

Keeping a close eye on the fish’s health and acting quickly if any symptoms are noticed is important. Regular water changes and good tank maintenance practices can aid in disease prevention. Quarantine any new fish before introducing them to the tank to reduce the risk of disease transmission.