Canara Pearlspot Cichlid (Etroplus canarensis)

India’s only endemic Cichlid species and the only member of its genus known to inhabit strictly freshwater habitat, the Canara Pearlspot Cichlid or Banded Chromide is a beautifully marked, medium growing fish known from river systems in Karnataka, India. In the wild, it tends to be found in loose aggregations and is a social fish in the aquarium, best kept in groups of 5 or more.They tend to be found in areas of moderate flow alongside a number of barbs (Dawkinsia sp.) and hill trout (Barilius sp.) which both make excellent tankmates in the aquarium as they will act as dither fish, diffusing aggression or territoriality between the Pearlspot Cichlids. An enthusiastic omnivore, they will accept most frozen and prepared foods but should be offered plenty of vegetable matter to ensure a balanced diet.