Green Chromide

The Green Chromide (Etroplus suratensis), also known as the pearlspot, is a large cichlid in the subfamily Etroplinae, native to the coastal rivers, estuaries, and brackish lagoons of India and Sri Lanka. It is the largest species in the genus Etroplus and one of relatively few cichlids adapted to brackish and even fully marine salinities. The species holds cultural significance in the Indian state of Kerala, where it is recognized as the state fish. Green Chromides are widely distributed in coastal backwater systems and are also raised in aquaculture ponds across their native range.

Green Chromide have a deep, oval, laterally compressed body reaching 20-40 cm in length, with a steep forehead and a long dorsal fin running nearly the length of the back.

Field marks:

• Olive-green to yellow-green base coloration
• Several rows of small, iridescent pearly-white spots across the flanks
• Faint dark vertical bars, most visible in younger fish
• Long-based dorsal fin with a spiny front section
• Small, protrusible mouth suited to grazing

Green Chromide are distinguished from the smaller Orange Chromide by their much larger size, duller olive-green tone, and pearly spotting rather than solid orange coloration with a single dark spot.

Green Chromide are native to coastal India and Sri Lanka, inhabiting estuaries, tidal rivers, and brackish backwater lagoons, including the extensive Kerala backwater system. They tolerate an unusually wide salinity range for a cichlid, from nearly fresh water to fully marine conditions, and are often found around submerged vegetation, mangrove fringes, and soft muddy or sandy bottoms. They favor warm, shallow water and are commonly encountered in slow-moving or still backwaters, canals, coastal lakes, and man-made ponds connected to tidal systems throughout their native range.

Green Chromide are generally found in loose groups or pairs, grazing along submerged surfaces, plant matter, and algae-covered substrate for much of their diet, supplementing with small invertebrates. They are monogamous substrate spawners, with mated pairs cleaning a flat surface such as a rock or root before depositing adhesive eggs, which both parents guard and fan. After hatching, both parents continue to protect the free-swimming fry for a period, a common cichlid parental care pattern. As broadly tolerant grazers, Green Chromide play a role in controlling algal growth within the estuarine and lagoon systems they inhabit.