{"product_id":"chocolate-cichlid-hypselecara-temporalis","title":"Chocolate Cichlid – Hypselecara temporalis","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurprisingly 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm chocolate-brown body with red and golden tones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge South American cichlid with impressive adult presence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGenerally peaceful for a large cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntelligent and interactive with its keeper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent centerpiece fish for large aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePopular among South American cichlid enthusiasts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hypselecara temporalis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chocolate Cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e South America\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful to semi-aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 8–12 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75 gallons or larger recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 76–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose a Chocolate Cichlid?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChocolate 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal Tank Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChocolate 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther peaceful to moderately assertive South American cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeverums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUaru\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger peaceful catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver Dollars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedium to large fish that are too large to be eaten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTankmates to Avoid\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery small fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall shrimp or snails that may be eaten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly aggressive cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFin-nipping species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDelicate or timid fish that may be stressed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChocolate 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA balanced diet supports healthy growth, strong color, and long-term condition. Feed appropriate portions and maintain good water quality, especially in large cichlid aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide a large aquarium with open swimming space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse strong, reliable filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain stable warm water and regular water changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOffer driftwood, smooth rocks, and sturdy decor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed a varied diet for best color and condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose calm, similarly sized tankmates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Chocolate Cichlids aggressive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChocolate Cichlids are generally peaceful to semi-aggressive for a large cichlid, but they may become more territorial as they mature or during breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big do Chocolate Cichlids get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChocolate Cichlids can reach approximately 8–12 inches as adults, so they need a large aquarium with strong filtration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size tank does a Chocolate Cichlid need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA 75-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended, with bigger tanks preferred for groups or community setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do Chocolate Cichlids eat?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey eat high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods, live foods when appropriate, and some vegetable-based foods as part of a varied diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Chocolate Cichlids beginner-friendly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are best for intermediate aquarists because of their adult size, filtration needs, and long-term aquarium requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Chocolate Cichlids live with other fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They can live with calm, similarly sized fish in a properly sized aquarium. Avoid very small, delicate, or highly aggressive tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these fish available for shipping?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChocolate 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54016197230805,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/chocolate-cichlid-hypselecara-temporalis","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}