Orange Chromide
Pseudetroplus maculatus
Brackish South Asia Usually captive bred
One of the few cichlids native to Asia, sporting warm orange-golden coloration dotted with fine spots. While adaptable to hard freshwater, it flourishes most vibrantly in low brackish conditions. They show fascinating parental care, with fry grazing on nutritious mucus secreted on their parents' flanks.
Also called: Orange chromide, Orange chromid.
Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.
What it needs
| Item | Value | Because |
|---|---|---|
| Adult length | 8 cm | Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round. |
| Smallest tank | 120 L, at least 80 cm long estimated | The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group. |
| Extra water per added fish | 15 L estimated | What each further fish adds once the minimum is met. |
| Waste load | Class 2 of 5 estimated | How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check. |
| Temperature | 22 to 28 C | Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges. |
| pH | 7.5 to 8.5 | Compared with tankmates in the Water check. |
| Hardness | GH 10 to 25, KH 6 to 15 | Degrees of general and carbonate hardness. |
| Flow | Low | Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current. |
| Light | Moderate | Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet. |
| Group size | Single fish is fine | Not a schooling species. |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Territorial: weak. |
| Swims in | Middle water | Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily. |
| Lifespan | About 6 years | A fish is a long commitment. |
| Experience | Some experience helps | A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes. |
Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.
Diet and tank layout
Orange Chromide is an omnivore that swims in the middle of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it plenty of cover.
Tankmates
Works with
Depends
Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.