{"product_id":"orange-chromide","title":"Orange Chromide","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrange Chromide (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudetroplus maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Orange Chromide is a beautiful and fascinating dwarf cichlid known for its vibrant golden-orange coloration, compact body, and peaceful personality. This attractive species often displays warm orange to yellow tones accented by a distinctive dark spot along the side of its body. Its manageable adult size, active swimming behavior, and interesting social interactions make it an excellent choice for aquarists seeking an unusual cichlid.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative to southern India and Sri Lanka, the Orange Chromide naturally inhabits coastal freshwater and brackish environments, including estuaries, lagoons, and slow-moving waterways. Unlike many freshwater cichlids, this species is especially well adapted to mildly brackish conditions. Although Orange Chromides may be maintained in suitable freshwater environments, stable water chemistry is essential, and long-term care is often most successful in slightly brackish aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, Orange Chromides appreciate a well-structured environment with driftwood, rocks, caves, and open swimming areas. Sandy or fine-gravel substrates are suitable, while hardy plants that tolerate the aquarium's chosen salinity can provide additional shelter. Good filtration, consistent water quality, and gentle to moderate water movement help maintain a healthy environment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrange Chromides are omnivorous and readily accept a variety of aquarium foods. A high-quality small cichlid pellet or tropical flake should form the foundation of their diet. Supplementing with frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and suitable vegetable-based foods helps provide balanced nutrition and maintain vibrant coloration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is generally peaceful compared with many other cichlids and can be maintained in small groups when sufficient space is provided. Territorial behavior may increase during breeding, particularly when pairs establish spawning sites. Compatible tank mates should be selected based on temperament, size, and water chemistry requirements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrange Chromides are also known for their interesting breeding behavior. They typically form pairs and deposit eggs on rocks, wood, or other solid surfaces. Both parents may participate in guarding the eggs and protecting the developing fry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudetroplus maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (formerly \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEtroplus maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Orange Chromide, Orange Chromide Cichlid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive During Breeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 3–4 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 30 Gallons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Group Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Small Groups or Compatible Pairs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 75–82°F\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended pH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 7.0–8.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freshwater to Brackish; Mildly Brackish Conditions Often Preferred\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Setup:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Aquarium with Rockwork, Driftwood, Hiding Places, and Open Swimming Space\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Southern India and Sri Lanka\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you're looking for a colorful and unusual dwarf cichlid with a relatively peaceful temperament, the Orange Chromide is an outstanding choice. Its brilliant orange coloration, fascinating social behavior, and distinctive appearance make it a beautiful addition to a carefully maintained freshwater or brackish aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Natural Environment Aquatix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67437652738289,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/6289\/8084\/files\/aa384263-313c-436c-96f6-80dba5e17e32.png?v=1793884281","url":"https:\/\/naturalenvironmentaquatix.com\/products\/orange-chromide","provider":"Natural Environment Aquatix","version":"1.0","type":"link"}