All fish / Cichlidae

Canara Pearlspot

Etroplus canarensis

Also known as canara pearlspot, banded pearlspot, canarese pearlspot, etroplus canarensis, canara chromide, striped chromide, エトロプルス・カナレンシス, 卡纳拉橘色鲷

This is a small, deep-bodied cichlid from fast, clear forest streams in southern India. It has a golden to pale body crossed by bold dark vertical bars, and it is kept by enthusiasts because it is a rare, attractive endemic seldom seen in the trade. Unlike its relatives, it lives purely in fresh water.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more, or a settled pair

Diet

Omnivore: small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp, plus quality flakes, granules and some vegetable matter

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

India: Western Ghats rivers of southern Karnataka (Kumaradhara, Netravati and nearby streams)

Breeding

Pairs lay sticky eggs on a cleaned rock or wood and both parents guard the eggs and fry, as in other Etroplus. Captive spawning has been reported only rarely, so breeding it is a challenge suited to experienced keepers.

Good to know

It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN, has a very small range and is protected from export in India, so only buy legally sourced captive-bred fish. It needs clean, well-oxygenated water with some current and should not be kept in brackish conditions like the green or orange chromide.