Page 148 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

146 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Etroplus maculatus Etroplus suratensis Pelvicachromis subocellatus
Orange Chromide Green Chromide Eyespot Krib

ORIGINS Asia, found in western coastal areas of India ORIGINS Asia, occurring in coastal parts of India and ORIGINS Western Africa, where it is widely distributed,
and Sri Lanka. also Sri Lanka. from Gabon to the Congo River in Zaire.
SIZE 3 in (7.5 cm). SIZE 18 in (45 cm). SIZE 4 in (10 cm).
DIET Prepared cichlid foods and live foods. DIET Prepared cichlid foods, algae, and live foods. DIET Prepared cichlid foods, algae, and live foods.
WATER Temperature 68–79°F (20–26°C); hard WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); hard WATER Temperature 75–79°F (24–26°C); hard
(150–200 mg/l) and neutral to alkaline (pH 7.0–7.5). (150–200 mg/l) and alkaline (pH 7.5–8.0). (100–150 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.5).
TEMPERAMENT Not aggressive. TEMPERAMENT Can be intolerant. TEMPERAMENT Territorial when breeding.
Dorsal fin almost Green Chromides display variable coloration,
reaches the with dark brown vertical stripes on the body,
caudal fin
dominating the background green. These fish are
less colorful and grow significantly larger than
Orange Chromides (see left). They also benefit from
being kept in a brackish environment, although
Greens can readily be maintained in fresh water.
There is no way of distinguishing gender; the
throats of both sexes turn black when breeding.
These pale-yellow cichlids have a regular pattern These cichlids vary greatly in appearance, but they
of orange spots running over the body, as well as usually have blackish bands along the body, pinkish
faint blue markings. Selective breeding has led to underparts, and often an eye-spot on the tail.
the creation of a more orange variant. Unlike most Males are larger than females and have longer
cichlids, this species benefits from being kept in pelvic fins, and their dorsal and anal fins are more
slightly brackish water, especially when breeding, pointed. The female’s color is at its finest just prior
since it protects the eggs from fungal attack. After to spawning, which occurs in caves, with
spawning on rockwork, a pair will guard the site the male driving away fish that venture too close.
and watch over their young in special pits. Eyespot Kribs sometimes occur in brackish waters.

Pelvicachromis humilis
Yellow Krib

ORIGINS West Africa, where it occurs in parts of Sierra
Leone, Liberia, and southeastern Guinea.
SIZE 5 in (13 cm).
DIET Prepared cichlid foods, algae, and live foods.
WATER Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C); soft
(50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.5). Male
TEMPERAMENT Territorial when breeding.
The upperparts of the Yellow Krib’s body
are dark olive-green with darker vertical
bars. Males are larger and have yellow
underparts, while females are whitish
beneath with violet or red on the belly. Female
At least three different localized color
variants are known. Kribs occur in areas of forest,
so they need a relatively dark aquarium, with
floating plants to diffuse the lighting. A number
of caves should be included in the tank; clay
flowerpots buried in the gravel are ideal for
this purpose. Prior to spawning, these cichlids
start digging in the substrate. When displaying,
the female performs a series of shimmering
movements to attract her mate. She stays with
the brood until they are free-swimming and have
emerged from the cave after about a week. They
can then be left together as a family group; the
young cichlids require foods such as brine shrimp.

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