The Banded Chromide (or Pearlspot) is a massive, laterally compressed cichlid native to the fresh and brackish estuaries of Southern India and Sri Lanka. Known for its striking greenish-grey body covered in pearly white spots, it is an impressive display fish. They are euryhaline and thrive in hard, alkaline freshwater or brackish setups. As primarily herbivorous grazers and substrate sifters, they will consume soft aquatic plants and require plenty of swimming space.
Banded Chromide At a Glance
Banded Chromide Tank Requirements
Will Banded Chromide fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Banded Chromide needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Banded Chromide against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Banded Chromide Water Parameters
Water care products
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Banded Chromide Temperament & Compatibility
Banded Chromide Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Adult
Fully grown adult form. Requires an exceptionally large aquarium. While generally peaceful with similarly sized robust fish, they become highly territorial during breeding.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult, Wild Type
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juvenile form commonly sold in the trade (5-10cm). They will grow rapidly and will soon require a massive aquarium upgrade. Highly social at this age and must be kept in groups.
Differs in 6 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Small Karimeen
Banded Chromide Care Guide Summary
The Banded Chromide, scientifically known as Etroplus suratensis, belongs to the Other family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 30 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Banded Chromide requires a brackish tolerant aquarium with a minimum volume of 450 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 7.5–8.5 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Banded Chromide is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard / Adult and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Banded Chromide Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Banded Chromide, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Banded Chromide Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Banded Chromide is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Banded Chromide Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Banded Chromide.
Banded Chromide Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Banded Chromide will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Banded Chromide
How big does Banded Chromide get?
Banded Chromide (Etroplus suratensis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 30 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Banded Chromide need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 450 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm are recommended for Banded Chromide. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Banded Chromide need?
Banded Chromide thrives in brackish tolerant conditions with a temperature range of 24–30°C, a pH between 7.5 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Banded Chromide peaceful or aggressive?
Banded Chromide is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Banded Chromide live alone?
No, Banded Chromide should be kept in groups of at least 4 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Is Banded Chromide safe with shrimp?
No. Banded Chromide is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Banded Chromide have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Banded Chromide benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Banded Chromide
These plants pair well with Banded Chromide based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Banded Chromide
Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
The Texas Cichlid is the only cichlid species native to the United States. Known for their striking pearlescent blue/green spots and extreme territorial behavior, they require large tanks and robust filtration. They are notorious for rearranging aquariums, digging massive pits, and destroying live plants.
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
Widely considered the most beautiful and peaceful of the large Gouramis. They feature a 'mosaic' of iridescent spots and a distinct black line running through the eye. Unlike their aggressive cousins (the Three-Spot Gourami), Pearls are generally gentle giants, though males can be territorial towards one another. They are thermophilic (love heat) and require floating plants to feel secure.
African Jewel Cichlid
Hemichromis bimaculatus
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Banded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata
The Banded Gourami is a robust and hardy labyrinth fish known for its striking diagonal stripes. Considerably larger than the Dwarf Gourami, they are active swimmers but generally peaceful in community settings. They require access to the water's surface to breathe atmospheric air. Males can be highly territorial toward each other.
Banded Cichlid
Heros notatus
Often sold as the Spotted Severum, this large South American cichlid is prized for its disc-like shape and the striking spots and bands along its lower half. They are native to the blackwater Rio Negro basin. While generally considered 'gentle giants' in the cichlid world, they are opportunistic predators that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths. They are also notorious for devouring live aquarium plants.
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Aulonocara sp.
Endemic to Lake Malawi, Peacock Cichlids are highly sought after for the breathtaking colors of the males. They are benthivorous, using sensory pores on their jaws to hunt small invertebrates in the sand. While territorial, they are generally peaceful compared to their aggressive Mbuna cousins. They require hard, alkaline water and a sandy substrate to prevent gill damage while sifting.