Essentially there are two known genera of cichlids that are found in Asia proper. These cichlids belong to the genus Etroplus and Iranocichla. So in total at present there are three species belonging to Etroplus which are E. canarensis, E. maculatus, and E. suratensis.

 

You may recognize on of these cichlids commonly called the the Orange chromide which is offered for sale in the hobby, its scientific name is Etroplus maculatus.The other popular chromide is called the Green chromide or pearlspot and its name is Etroplus suratensis.

 

Of the three Etroplus or chromide cichlids, E. canarensis is the rarest of this small group. They are called the banded chromide or the Canara pearlspot and they are found in southern India and Sri Lanka. If we find Etroplus canarensis for sale they will be posted on this page!

 

The fourth cichlid on the Asian cichlid list is called Iranocichla hormuzensis and this fish needs no introduction. This cichlids is the only species in its genus so it’s called a monotypic genus. As you have guessed by now this fish is from Iran and is known to be a mouthbrooding fish compared to the Etroplus species which are egg layers. This fish is extremely attractive and extremely rare in the hobby. You will see them for sale periodically but with no frequency. It’s a great smaller sized cichlid reaching some four inches in length and some suspect it may be endangered.

 

Etroplus canarensis

Etroplus maculatus

Etroplus suratensis