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Chocolate Cichlid
Hypselecara temporalis
📍 South America
The Chocolate Cichlid is a large, peaceful South American cichlid known for its rich brown coloration and distinctive temperament. Unlike many cichlids, this species is remarkably docile and makes an excellent choice for community tanks with appropriately sized tankmates. They are intelligent, long-lived fish that develop strong personalities and can recognize their owners.
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Care Guide
Diet
Chocolate Cichlids are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet including high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter. Feed once or twice daily in amounts they can consume within 2-3 minutes, adjusting portions based on tank bioload.
Behavior
Chocolate Cichlids are peaceful, curious fish that spend much of their time exploring the substrate and mid-water zones. They are social and can be kept in pairs or small groups without aggression, though they may establish loose hierarchies. They are intelligent and often interact with their owners, displaying recognition and anticipation at feeding times.
Breeding
Breeding Chocolate Cichlids in captivity is moderately difficult and requires a dedicated breeding tank with soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5) and temperatures around 26-28°C. Pairs are monogamous and will guard eggs and fry aggressively; remove other fish before spawning occurs. Fry can be fed infusoria initially, then progressing to micro foods and crushed pellets.
Tank Mates
Small schooling fish that occupy upper water column; peaceful and unlikely to trigger predatory response
Bottom-dwelling catfish that share similar water parameters and peaceful temperament
Dwarf cichlid that occupies different territory; both species are peaceful and non-competitive
Schooling fish that remain in mid-water; peaceful and compatible with chocolate cichlid's temperament
Algae-eating catfish that occupy bottom zone and pose no threat; beneficial tank mates
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise water temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 7-10 days
Hole-in-the-Head (HITH)
Small holes or pits developing on the head, loss of appetite, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, ensure varied diet with quality foods and vitamin supplementation, use activated carbon in filter, consider metronidazole treatment if bacterial infection suspected
Fin Rot
Fraying or deterioration of fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss
Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality and aeration, treat with antibacterial medication or salt bath, ensure proper nutrition and reduce stress
Bloat (Malawi Bloat)
Swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, difficulty swimming, pale coloration
Perform large water change, fast the fish for 2-3 days, feed high-quality foods with added fiber, treat with metronidazole if parasitic infection suspected, maintain optimal water parameters
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - feeds on insects, crustaceans, and plant matter in the wild
- lifespan
- 10-15 years
- max size
- 25 cm (10 in)
- tank size
- 75 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)