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Green Chromide, Banded Chromide
An oval-shaped fish with a pointed head. The coloration is olive green
to greenish brown. The body is marked with six to eight transverse bars
which may at times, be indistinct. Each scale has a golden spot and the
fins are body-colored. The anal fins may have some blue iridescence. At
spawning times, all the colors are enhanced, making the normal dull-coloring look more impressive.
They grow to a size of 18" (46 cm) in nature, although not larger than
12" (30 cm) in captivity. They originate from Southeastern Asia and live
in brackish water rivers and move in schools between freshwater and sea
water. They are bottom to mid dwellers.
A 45-55 gallon (170-209 L) is sufficient for fish under 8" (20 cm) in
length. Adult fish need at tank of at least 75 gallons (285 L) to do well
in captivity. Use a substrate of coral sand or less ideally, fine gravel.
The tank can be well-planted with large, robust plants, although this
species is a known plant eater. Provide hiding places and retreats with
large caves and wood. Leave open swimming areas.
They require water parameters of pH 7-9 (8.0), 12-30 dH (20), and
temperatures of 73-81°F (23-27°C). A 1 to 1.5% addition of sea salt is necessary.
A shoaling fish that should be kept in groups of at least 6 fish. In
smaller schools, quarrels may break out. This fish may be more suitable
to salt water community tanks than freshwater tanks. This fish can be
kept with other brackish water species including E. maculatus . Pairs
form monogamous bonds and later nuclear families.
Other recommended tankmates include Monos, Archerfish, Scats,
Anableps, Rainbowfish, Gobies.
These fish do well on a diet of live; Tubifex , crustaceans, insects;
chopped meat; pellets; large flakes; oatmeal; plant matter; vegetables;
spinach, peas, lettuce.
In sexing these fish the only definite difference is the shape of the
genital papilla which is visible at spawning times. An open water
spawner that lays up to 1000 eggs on a previously cleaned rock or in a
cave. They hatch in 36 to 50 hours and are carefully guarded by the
parents. The young are free-swimming after 7-8 more days. Start feeding
with Artemia nauplii, roftiers, and dry foods. The young are susceptible
to fungal infections if kept in freshwater, and are difficult to raise even
in brackish water. Their coloring is different from that of the adults.
They have a single transverse band around the mid-section. This band
disappears, and for several weeks the fry are just silver. Eventually they
develop the adult coloring. Keep in mind that breeding these fish is
difficult. They are sexually mature from about 6".
