Chocolate Cichlid – Hypselecara temporalis
The Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis) is a gentle giant of the South American cichlid world. Named for its warm chocolate-brown coloration with red and golden tones, this large deep-bodied cichlid develops impressive color, personality, and presence as it matures.
Surprisingly peaceful for its size, the Chocolate Cichlid is intelligent, personable, and rewarding to keep in a large, well-maintained aquarium. Its calm but commanding appearance makes it a beautiful centerpiece fish for dedicated aquarists and large-tank hobbyists.
Key Features
- Warm chocolate-brown body with red and golden tones
- Large South American cichlid with impressive adult presence
- Generally peaceful for a large cichlid
- Intelligent and interactive with its keeper
- Excellent centerpiece fish for large aquariums
- Popular among South American cichlid enthusiasts
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Hypselecara temporalis
- Common Name: Chocolate Cichlid
- Origin: South America
- Care Level: Intermediate
- Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
- Adult Size: Approximately 8–12 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons or larger recommended
- Water Temperature: 76–82°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose a Chocolate Cichlid?
Chocolate Cichlids are a great choice for aquarists who want a large cichlid with personality, color, and a calmer temperament than many aggressive cichlid species. Their rich brown, red, and gold coloration becomes more impressive with maturity, stable water quality, and a quality diet.
This species shares the calm, commanding presence of other South American cichlids such as Uaru, while offering its own deep-bodied shape and warm reddish coloration. It is best suited for aquarists who can provide space, filtration, and long-term care.
Ideal Tank Setup
Chocolate Cichlids do best in large aquariums with strong filtration, stable water parameters, and plenty of open swimming space. Driftwood, smooth rockwork, caves, and sturdy decor help create a natural environment while still allowing room to move.
Hardy plants may be used, but larger cichlids may rearrange decor or disturb delicate plants. A soft substrate, shaded areas, and clean warm water help create a comfortable South American-style setup.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other peaceful to moderately assertive South American cichlids
- Severums
- Uaru
- Larger peaceful catfish
- Silver Dollars
- Medium to large fish that are too large to be eaten
Tankmates to Avoid
- Very small fish
- Small shrimp or snails that may be eaten
- Highly aggressive cichlids
- Fin-nipping species
- Delicate or timid fish that may be stressed
Diet & Feeding
Chocolate Cichlids are omnivores and should be offered a varied diet. High-quality cichlid pellets can be used as a staple, along with frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and occasional vegetable-based foods.
A balanced diet supports healthy growth, strong color, and long-term condition. Feed appropriate portions and maintain good water quality, especially in large cichlid aquariums.
Care Tips
- Provide a large aquarium with open swimming space
- Use strong, reliable filtration
- Maintain stable warm water and regular water changes
- Offer driftwood, smooth rocks, and sturdy decor
- Feed a varied diet for best color and condition
- Choose calm, similarly sized tankmates
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chocolate Cichlids aggressive?
Chocolate Cichlids are generally peaceful to semi-aggressive for a large cichlid, but they may become more territorial as they mature or during breeding.
How big do Chocolate Cichlids get?
Chocolate Cichlids can reach approximately 8–12 inches as adults, so they need a large aquarium with strong filtration.
What size tank does a Chocolate Cichlid need?
A 75-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended, with bigger tanks preferred for groups or community setups.
What do Chocolate Cichlids eat?
They eat high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods, live foods when appropriate, and some vegetable-based foods as part of a varied diet.
Are Chocolate Cichlids beginner-friendly?
They are best for intermediate aquarists because of their adult size, filtration needs, and long-term aquarium requirements.
Can Chocolate Cichlids live with other fish?
Yes. They can live with calm, similarly sized fish in a properly sized aquarium. Avoid very small, delicate, or highly aggressive tankmates.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Chocolate Cichlids are large, personable South American cichlids for spacious freshwater aquariums and dedicated cichlid keepers. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop South American cichlids, freshwater fish, fish food, filtration supplies, driftwood, aquarium decor, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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