Care

The Canara Pearlspot Chromide is a rare traded species and is one of only a handful of cichlids known from Asia. These beautiful fish are found only in a couple of freshwater rivers in the southwestern region of Canara (Kanara) in India. Unlike other members of the same genus, they are not brackish fish, being found some considerable distance from the coast. For best long-term health, and for breeding success, they will require soft, acidic water with no added salt. Quite unusually for a cichlid species, the CanaraPearlspot Chromide is best maintained in groups of 5 or more as it is of a placid nature, highly sociable, and thrives on the company of its own kind; the larger the shoal, the better. Tankmates could include barbs, danios, loaches, or rasboras. However, do not mix with any large, aggressive cichlids or other boisterous species. Ensure that the aquarium is mature, with good filtration and a high level of oxygenation (of particular importance when maintaining these riverine fish at the higher end of their preferred temperature range). The tank can beaquascaped with driftwood and robust plants such as Anubias sp. and Java which can be anchored to the decor. Be aware that although they will not actually uproot soft-leaved plants, they will eat them down to stumps in next to no time! Ensure that the aquarium receives regular partial water changes to keep the nitrate level to an absolute minimum. The Canara Pearlspot Chromide was once believed to be extinct in the wild, only to reappear at a Far East trade show in the early 1990s. This species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN red list of threatened species, largely due its restricted area of distribution and the decline in habitat quality due to pollution (agricultural and domestic sewage)and sand mining activity. Indonesian fish farms are now breeding this species in captivity to lessen pressure on wild stocks. However, the habitat degradation needs to be urgently addressed and it has been recommended that the Kumaradhara River be designated a freshwater sanctuary and no-take zone for fishermen; unfortunately, these recommendations have yet to be acted upon. Hobbyists can therefore play a vital role in protecting this species by purchasing captive-bred fish wherever possible and starting their own breeding projects.

Feeding

Offer a wide variety of foods,a high percentage of which should be vegetable based. Flake, green flake,cichlid pellets, Spirulina granules, plus blanched spinach, courgette,cucumber, lettuce, chopped peas etc should all be taken with enthusiasm.Offer small meaty frozen foods such as vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, Mysis, and mosquito larvae as an occasional treat.

Breeding

The Canara Pearlspot Chromide is an aseasonal spawner and is reported to have been bred by only a handful of aquarists with details few and far between. This species would make an excellent breeding project for the serious hobbyist. A requisite for successful breeding seems to be very soft (<6 dH) water and prior conditioning on a very varied diet. The water temperature should be maintained towards the higher end of the preferred range for some time and this should be interrupted with large, cool water change to help simulate the rainy season. When ready to spawn, the fish undergo a significant colour/pattern change and they will begin quivering at one another. Several hundred eggs will be deposited/fertilized on a flat piece of decor, usually in a sheltered location. These will adhere to the chosen substrate via a relatively long filament "This is thought to keepthe eggs well anchored in their native flowing waters and can be clearly seen the parents waft fresh water across the eggs with their pectoral fins. The eggs will be defended by both parents and hatching normally takes place in around 4 days, although this will be temperature dependent. There have been reports of the adults predating on the fry once they become free swimming, so it might be a good idea to separate them from the adults if you wish to raise a good number of young.