Etroplus maculatus; Print; The orange chromide (Etroplus maculatus) is a species of cichlid fish that is endemic to freshwater and brackish streams; lagoons and estuaries in southern India and Sri Lanka. It is also known as pallathi (Malayalam: ????????) in Malayalam. The species is popular with fishkeeping hobbyists; and is kept frequently in aquariums. The species is part of the family Cichlidae and is included in subfamily Etroplinae. The orange chromide reaches a length of up to 8 cm (3.1 in).; 1774-1804