Chocolate Cichlid (1.75-2”)

Scientific Name: Hypselecara temporalis

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Can reach up to 12–14 inches in length, though typically smaller in aquaria.

• Lifespan averages 8–10 years with proper care.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Change, and Water Parameters:

• Minimum tank size of 75 gallons (340 liters) for a single adult, larger preferred for pairs or community setups.

• Weekly water changes of 25–35% to maintain water quality.

• Preferred water parameters:

  • Temperature: 76–82°F 

  • pH: 6.0–7.5
    

• Provide good filtration and moderate water flow, as they are sensitive to poor water conditions.

Tankmates:

• Generally peaceful for a large cichlid, but can show territorial behavior when breeding.

• Suitable tankmates include other similarly sized, peaceful to semi-aggressive South American cichlids (Severums, Geophagus, Uarus), larger peaceful catfish (Plecos, Doradids), and robust characins (Silver Dollars, larger tetras).

• Avoid very aggressive cichlids like jaguar cichlids or small fish that can be seen as prey.

Diet:

• Omnivorous with a preference for meaty foods.

• Diet should include high-quality cichlid pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods (bloodworms, shrimp, and krill) and some vegetable matter (spirulina based pellets, blanched spinach, zucchini).

• Avoid overfeeding high-protein live foods to prevent digestive issues.

Overview:
The Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis) is a large, calm, and intelligent South American cichlid known for its rich brown body coloration with subtle golden or reddish hues. They are often described as "gentle giants" compared to other large cichlids, making them a good choice for aquarists seeking a sizable but relatively peaceful centerpiece fish. Their size requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of swimming room, but they also enjoy natural décor with driftwood, large rocks, and sturdy plants.

Natural Environment:

• Native to slow-moving rivers, flooded forests, and lagoons of the Amazon Basin in South America.

• Inhabits areas with soft, acidic water and dense vegetation, often among submerged branches and roots.

Breeding:

• Chocolate Cichlids are substrate spawners and will clean a flat surface such as a rock or piece of wood for egg deposition.

• Pairs are attentive parents, with both male and female guarding eggs and fry.

• Spawning is encouraged by maintaining stable, soft, slightly acidic water and performing more frequent water changes to mimic rainy season conditions.

• Clutches may contain several hundred eggs, which hatch within 3–4 days; fry become free-swimming in about a week and can be fed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.