Edit Etroplus canarensis
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Name
Scientific name
Etroplus canarensis
Described by
Authority Day, Year 1877
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Canara Pearlspot Cichlid
Photograph credits
All 10 credited
Summary
The Canara pearlspot cichlid, Etroplus canarensis, appears to be endemic to the Kumaradhara-Netravati river system in southern Karnataka, I…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
110mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 22–32°C, pH 6–7.5
Hardness
1–10dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
India, Kumaradhara, Netravati
Writing
Etymology
Etroplus: from the Ancient Greek ἦτρον (etron), meaning 'belly, lower abdomen', and ὅπλον (hoplon), meaning 'weapon, armour', in reference to the prominent spi…
Distribution
Appears locally endemic to southern Karnataka state, southwestern India where it's known only from the Kumaradhara-Netravati river system. It can be found in b…
Habitat
This species occurs exclusively in oxygen-rich fresh water with the downstream limit of its range appearing to be approximately 50 km from the mouth of the Net…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base dimensions of 120 ∗ 45 cm or equivalent should be the smallest considered for long-term care.
Maintenance
Should ideally be maintained in an aquarium set up to resemble a flowing stream or river with a substrate of variably-sized, water-worn rocks, sand, fine grave…
Water conditions
Temperature: 22 – 32 °C; a value around the middle of this range is suggested for general care although a degree of seasonal variation is advisable (see 'Repro…
Diet
Observations of wild fish suggest it to be something of a generalist with a tendency to graze aufwuchs and filamentous algae from solid surfaces. In the aquari…
Behaviour and compatibility
Unless breeding this species is relatively peaceful and will not predate on any but the smallest fishes. Pelagic cyprinids which occur alongside it in the wild…
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males tend to be a little larger and slightly heavier in build than females.
Reproduction
This species is a biparental substrate spawner which forms weak, temporary pair bonds during the reproductive period. Sexual maturity appears to be reached at …
Notes
E. canarensis is also known as the banded chromide or 'roman numeral' cichlid in the aquarium hobby. There have been concerns over its natural status due to un…
References
References
7 on this profile