Chocolate cichlid

Care at a glance

Overview

The chocolate cichlid is a large but generally peaceful cichlid that is calm for its size and can be kept as a pair or in a group with other medium to large, even-tempered fish. It does become territorial and more defensive when a pair forms and spawns, so allow enough room for weaker fish to keep their distance. It spends most of its time in the middle of the tank and appreciates open swimming space along with sturdy wood and rock for cover. Suitable tankmates include severums, larger peaceful catfish and other easygoing cichlids of similar size. Feed a varied omnivore diet of good quality pellets, plus frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, prawn and earthworm. Plan for a tank of at least 245 liters, and more for a group of adults.

In the wild

The chocolate cichlid is widespread across the western Amazon, ranging through Peru, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil in slow rivers, flooded forest and quiet backwaters. It lives among submerged branches and leaf litter in warm, soft, slightly acidic water. Recreate this with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and a temperature of 25 to 30 C, soft to moderately soft water, and a scape of driftwood, roots and a sandy floor scattered with leaves. Gentle water movement and some shade from floating plants or tall background plants suit it, since it comes from sheltered, tannin-stained habitats.

Good to know

Hypselecara temporalis is a member of the cichlid family, Cichlidae, and reaches around 30 cm as an adult. It has a tall, disc-shaped body that turns a rich reddish-brown to chocolate color with a green sheen in mature and breeding fish. It is a substrate spawner that lays its eggs on a cleaned vertical or sloping surface such as wood or rock, with both parents guarding the clutch and the resulting fry. Breeding is of moderate difficulty once a settled pair has enough space and good water quality, though the parents can be protective and boisterous while guarding.

Did you know

The chocolate cichlid can shift its color quickly with mood, deepening from a plain brown into a warm reddish tone with a bright green face and a dark mask through the eye when it is displaying or defending a nest.

Related species

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  Green chromide

  Etroplus suratensis

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• 

  Uaru cichlid

  Uaru amphiacanthoides

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• 

  Blue dolphin cichlid

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• 

  Eartheater cichlid

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• 

  Discus

  Symphysodon aequifasciatus

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• 

  Basketmouth cichlid

  Caquetaia kraussii

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