Temporalis cichlid
Telmatochromis temporalis
Also known as Telmatochromis burgeoni, Shell telmatochromis
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–81°F
- 24–27°C
- pH
- 7.8–9.0
- Adult size
- 3.9 in
- 10 cm
- Minimum tank
- 15 gal
- 55 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Breeding
- Cave spawner · Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Lake Tanganyika
Overview
The Temporalis cichlid is a hardy Tanganyikan for a rock or shell setup. It is easy to keep.
Did you know
The Temporalis cichlid comes in two body plans within a single species. Fish on open rock grow to full size, while populations in shell beds mature at roughly half the size. These dwarfs live and breed inside empty snail shells, an adaptation to the shelter the shells provide.
Caring for the Temporalis cichlid
A tank of at least 15 gal (55 L) suits a pair of Temporalis cichlids with a few calm Tanganyikan companions. They wedge themselves into rock seams and empty snail shells, so pile rock over a sandy floor to leave tight, narrow cracks. A scatter of escargot-style shells works too, and gives a fish a patch to call its own.
Keep the water warm and well buffered, at 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C) and a pH of 7.8 to 9.0. Feed small frozen and dried foods, since a Temporalis cichlid is not fussy.
Keep a single fish or a bonded pair, since it can be pushy toward its own kind. Choose tank mates with some care so it does not squabble with similar bottom-dwellers.
A pair lays its eggs on hidden rock surfaces, and both parents guard them. Breeding it is of moderate difficulty.
Good to know
The Temporalis cichlid, Telmatochromis temporalis, is a cichlid in the family Cichlidae, also known as the shell telmatochromis. The fish once listed as T. burgeoni is the same species.
In the wild
The Temporalis cichlid lives around the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika, where the water is hard and very alkaline. Some populations settle in beds of empty snail shells over sand.
Common questions
What size tank does a Temporalis cichlid need?
A Temporalis cichlid needs at least 15 gal (55 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Temporalis cichlid need?
A Temporalis cichlid is comfortable at 75–81°F (24–27°C) with a pH of 7.8–9.0.
What does a Temporalis cichlid eat?
A Temporalis cichlid eats small frozen and dried foods, and it is not fussy.
How big does a Temporalis cichlid get?
An adult Temporalis cichlid reaches about 3.9 in (10 cm).
How does a Temporalis cichlid breed?
Temporalis cichlids lay their eggs on hidden rock surfaces, and both parents guard them. Breeding them is of moderate difficulty.
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