Chocolate Cichlid

Hypselecara temporalis, the Chocolate Cichlid, is native to the Amazon River basin in Brazil and Peru, where it inhabits slow-moving rivers, flooded forests, and blackwater lagoons characterised by soft, warm, acidic water with heavy tannin staining. It belongs to the 'heroini' tribe of New World cichlids and is closely related to the Festivum and Severum cichlids.

Adult Chocolate Cichlids are large, laterally compressed fish reaching up to 30 cm. The body is a rich brown to olive-chocolate color with emerald-green iridescent scaling, a dark spot on the shoulder, and reddish-orange tones on the belly and lower fins of breeding adults. The overall appearance is one of understated elegance compared to more vibrantly patterned cichlids.

Despite their size, Chocolate Cichlids are considered semi-aggressive rather than highly aggressive. They are generally peaceful toward fish of similar or larger size but may bully smaller or more submissive tankmates. They are not significant diggers and do not destroy planted aquariums as aggressively as many large cichlids, making them somewhat more compatible with robust planted setups.

Chocolate Cichlids are best kept in pairs or groups of compatible individuals in a large aquarium. They are biparental broodcarers, and a bonded pair will spawn readily in the home aquarium when well-conditioned. The species is moderately available in the hobby and appeals to cichlid enthusiasts seeking a large, relatively peaceful species.

Tank Setup A minimum 300-liter aquarium is required for a single adult or pair. Provide a fine sandy or smooth gravel substrate, large pieces of driftwood, and robust plants such as large Amazon swords or Anubias. Chocolate Cichlids are less destructive than many large cichlids but will still investigate and occasionally rearrange décor. Ensure good filtration with efficient biological and mechanical media.

Water Parameters Maintain temperature 24–30°C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 2–12, KH 1–6. This species strongly prefers soft, warm, slightly acidic to neutral water reflecting its blackwater Amazonian origins. The addition of Indian almond leaves or peat filtration to create mild tannin staining is beneficial. Perform 25–30% water changes weekly.

Feeding Omnivorous, accepting a wide variety of foods. Offer large cichlid pellets or sticks as the staple, supplemented with frozen krill, bloodworms, earthworms, and occasional vegetable matter such as blanched zucchini or spirulina wafers. Feed once or twice daily. A varied diet supports good coloration and overall health.

Tankmates Semi-aggressive toward smaller or more submissive fish. Best paired with similarly sized peaceful to semi-aggressive species such as Festivum Cichlids, Severums, large Geophagus, and large Plecos. Avoid housing with very small fish or overly aggressive species. In a very large aquarium, a harmonious mixed cichlid community can be maintained.

Breeding Chocolate Cichlids form strong pair bonds and are biparental egg guarders. The female deposits eggs on a flat surface or large leaf; both parents fan and guard the clutch. Fry hatch in 2–3 days and become free-swimming after 5–7 days. Feed newly free-swimming fry baby brine shrimp and finely powdered food.