Species profile
Orange Chromide
Pseudetroplus maculatus
Peaceful
Moderate care
150 L minimum aquarium
7–9.5 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Accepted genus updated from Etroplus to Pseudetroplus. The species is euryhaline and can be maintained in hard alkaline freshwater or brackish water.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–26 °C
pH
7.2–8.5
GH
10–25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Tiny fish
Bioload factor
1.8
Gregarious outside breeding; keep a group to spread aggression, but expect pair territoriality during spawning.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
150 L
Minimum footprint
90 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Pseudetroplus maculatus
Alternative names
Etroplus maculatus, Red Chromide, Gold Chromide
Native range
India and Sri Lanka.
Natural habitat
Occurs in vegetated streams, lagoons, lower rivers and estuarine habitats. Maintain in hard alkaline freshwater or stable brackish water; avoid soft acidic conditions.
Diet & feeding
Plant-rich cichlid foods with spirulina/vegetable matter plus varied frozen invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males tend to be larger and warmer-toned; females often show pale/white margins on the caudal fin.
Breeding
Biparental substrate spawner. Both adults guard eggs and fry; fry may graze parental body mucus.