Chocolate Angelfish

The Chocolate Angelfish is a captive strain selectively bred to express an earthy brown-chocolate body colouration as a result of altered melanin distribution. The colour varies from light tan in juveniles to a rich dark chocolate-brown in mature adults, with the fins often taking on amber and golden tones.

The chocolate gene interacts with other colour loci, and chocolate can be combined with marble, gold, or koi genes to create compound morphs. A well-conditioned chocolate angel in breeding condition develops particularly deep, warm tones that can be strikingly beautiful under warm-spectrum lighting.

Chocolate angels are robust, adaptable, and fully domesticated. They are an underrated strain often overlooked in favour of bolder colour morphs, but their earthy, natural-looking colouration pairs well with planted Amazon-style aquascape designs.

Water: Temperature 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 2–12, KH 1–6; warm water toward the upper range deepens the brown body pigment. Tank: 150 L tall aquarium; Amazon-style setup with driftwood and Echinodorus plants complements the natural brown colouration. Feeding: Cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and vegetable matter; feed 2–3 times daily. Breeding: Breeds as standard angelfish; chocolate gene is partially dominant and heritable in offspring. Compatibility: Community cichlid suitable with medium peaceful South American species.