Etroplus suratensis

The Green Chromide, also known as the Pearlspot Cichlid or Karimeen, is a beautiful and distinctive fish from Asia. It has a disc-shaped body with a greenish-gold sheen and is famous for the iridescent 'pearl spots' that dot its sides. It's a brackish water fish, which means it needs an aquarium with a mix of fresh and saltwater to be healthy. Because of this specific need, its large adult size, and its sometimes feisty personality, it is not recommended for absolute beginners.

These are social fish that should be kept in a group, but they will establish a pecking order and can be territorial, meaning they'll guard their own space. A very large tank is necessary to give them enough room to swim and to reduce squabbles. They are not picky eaters and will accept most aquarium foods, but they have a love for vegetation and will likely dig up and eat most live aquarium plants. Due to their tendency to dig, a sandy bottom is a good choice for their tank. As they get older, a pair may form within the group and become dedicated parents if they decide to breed. In short, the Pearlspot is a stunning fish for an aquarist who is ready to manage a large, brackis-water setup and handle a fish with a bit of a personality.