Orange chromide: Complete Species & Care Overview

Origin

The orange chromide, scientifically known as Pseudetroplus maculatus, is native to South Indian and Sri Lankan freshwaters. It belongs to the cichlid family and is one of the few cichlids that can live in brackish water. The species was described in 1868 and has since become a popular addition to many aquariums worldwide. 

Appearance & Size

The orange chromide is a unique fish species distinguished by its bright orange coloration. Adults have a plump, rounded body shape. Their fins are short and round, with males developing long, flowing dorsal fins. The orange chromide is known for its distinct black spot behind its gills.

The average size of a fully grown Orange Chromide is around 3 inches long. The size of the fish can vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, and environmental conditions

Genders

The orange chromide is a species with distinct gender differences, with males and females exhibiting different physical characteristics. Male orange chromides are more extensive and brighter than females, with a more prominent black spot behind their gills. 

Furthermore, male orange chromides frequently develop longer, flowing dorsal fins. Female orange chromides, on the other hand, are typically smaller and less colorful, but they are still an appealing addition to any aquarium.

Behavior

The orange chromide is a social and active species of fish that thrives in a community tank. These fish are relatively calm and get along well with other fish of similar size and temperament. Orange chromides live in large schools in the wild and are known to be social creatures, so they should be kept in groups of six or more. 

Orange chromides are generally active and curious in a home aquarium and can frequently be seen swimming and exploring their surroundings. These fish are also known for their playful and interactive behavior.

Tankmates

The orange chromide is a peaceful species that gets along well with other fish of similar size and temperament. When selecting tankmates for orange chromides, it is important to choose species that are peaceful, non-aggressive, and of a similar size to avoid any potential aggression or bullying. 

Here are a few good tankmates for orange chromides:

• Neon tetras
• Guppies
• Angelfish
• Mollies
• Plecostomus
• Swordtails

Tank conditions

The orange chromide is a hardy species that thrives in a home aquarium. These fish are native to southern India and Sri Lanka’s freshwater rivers and streams and well adapted to various water conditions. 

It is important to provide a stable and well-maintained environment with proper filtration and water quality when setting up an aquarium for orange chromides. 

The ideal water temperature for orange chromides is 72-82°F, with a pH between 7.0 and 8.5. In terms of hardness, orange chromides perform well in moderately hard-to-hard water. 

Providing plenty of hiding spots and open swimming space in the tank is also important to reduce stress and promote natural behaviors.

Diet

The orange chromide is an omnivorous species that requires a varied diet to thrive in captivity. These fish feed on various small invertebrates and plant matter in their natural habitat. 

A protein and vegetable-rich diet is ideal for the home aquarium. Some good protein sources for orange chromides include brine shrimp, krill, and small pieces of cooked or frozen shrimp. Vegetable matter can be provided in blanched spinach, lettuce, or other leafy greens, as well as specially formulated vegetable-based pellets or flakes.

A combination of dry and wet foods is also recommended to provide a more complete and balanced diet. Furthermore, it is important to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to waste buildup in the tank and negatively impact water quality. Feed orange chromides small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than large, infrequent meals to ensure optimal health.

Breeding

Breeding orange chromides in the home aquarium can be a rewarding experience for experienced fish keepers. These fish are egg-layers and will produce in a suitable environment with proper water conditions and a balanced diet. 

Setting up a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water and plenty of hiding places is recommended to encourage breeding. An orange chromides breeding pair usually lay their eggs on a flat surface, such as a slate or a flowerpot.

Once the eggs are laid, the breeding pair should be removed from the tank to avoid potential harm to the eggs or fry. The eggs hatch in 3-4 days, and the fry can swim a few days later. At this stage, providing the fry with a suitable diet, such as newly hatched brine shrimp or commercially available fry food, is important.

Diseases

The disease is a common concern for all fish keepers, and orange chromides are no exception. To minimize the risk of disease, it is important to maintain good water quality and provide a balanced diet. Some common conditions that may affect orange chromides include Ich, a parasite that causes white spots on the fish, and fin rot, a bacterial infection that causes the fins to deteriorate.

You must act immediately if you suspect your orange chromides have a disease. In some cases, improving the water quality and diet is sufficient to solve the problem. Medication may be required in more severe cases to treat and prevent the disease from spreading to other fish in the tank.

To reduce disease risk, quarantine new fish for at least two weeks before adding them to your main tank. This will allow you to examine the fresh fish for signs of illness and ensure they are healthy before introducing them to your existing fish. If you suspect your fish are sick, consult a qualified veterinarian or fish specialist immediately to prevent the situation from worsening.