Orange Chromide

Looks how to spot one

Small, deep-bodied cichlid

A compact, oval cichlid that grows to about 8 to 9.5 cm. Wild fish are yellow-orange with rows of small dark spots and a large dark blotch high on the flank, which gives the species its Latin name maculatus, meaning spotted. Aquarium-bred lines are often solid orange with few dark markings.123

Personality what they are like

Generally calm and easy-going, though mature fish sort themselves into a pecking order. Pairs become protective when looking after eggs and fry.3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A moderately active fish that spends much of its time near cover, roots and plants close to the bottom and middle of the tank.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Euryhaline, so it can be kept in fresh or brackish water, but it should not be kept in acidic water. Temperature about 20 to 28 °C and pH roughly 7.0 to 9.0. Regular partial water changes keep the water clean.32

Home where they are happiest

Lives among roots and weeds in lagoons and small streams. A tank with a base of at least 120 x 60 cm, sandy substrate, rocks and driftwood suits a group.23

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore. Wild fish eat zooplankton, algae and tiny fish fry. In aquariums it takes small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp, plus plant foods like spirulina.23

Company who they like around

Best kept in a group of about eight or more, which spreads out any squabbling as fish mature. Peaceful schooling fish such as danios or rasboras make suitable companions.3

The story where it all began

Bloch described the orange chromide in 1795, originally in the genus Etroplus, and it was placed in its own genus Pseudetroplus in 2014. It has long been a favourite with fishkeepers, and breeders have developed bright orange and yellow lines.123

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Least Concern (assessed 2019)2

Marcus Elieser Bloch

Described in 1795; moved to Pseudetroplus in 20141