Chocolate Cichlid
Scientific Name: Hypselecara temporalis
Common Names: Chocolate Cichlid, Emerald Cichlid
Origin: Amazon Basin (Colombia, Peru, Brazil)
Size: 25–30 cm
Temperament: Semi-peaceful / Mildly territorial
Lifespan: 10–12 years
 
Species Overview
The Chocolate Cichlid is a large, slow-growing South American cichlid known for its calm temperament and stunning colour shifts. Depending on mood and maturity, they display rich chocolate-brown, olive-green, and deep red hues, often with a distinctive facial blaze and subtle iridescence.
Despite their size, they are considered one of the more peaceful “large” cichlids and can be kept in stable communities with similarly gentle species. They prefer clean, warm, slightly acidic Amazonian conditions and a spacious tank with low stress.
 
Care Sheet
Tank Requirements
Minimum Tank: 350–450 L for an adult
Aquascape: Driftwood, large root structures, broad plants (or artificial)
Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
Filtration: Strong — high oxygenation and excellent biological capacity
Lighting: Soft to moderate
Flow: Gentle to moderate
 
Water Parameters
Temperature: 26–30°C
pH: 6.0–7.2
Hardness: 1–10 dGH
Nitrates: <20 ppm
Requires very clean, stable water
 
Diet
Omnivorous with carnivore preference.
High-quality carnivore pellets
Frozen krill, prawn, bloodworms, mysis
Earthworms (treat)
Vegetables: peas, spinach, spirulina-based flakes
Occasional live foods for conditioning
Avoid: feeders, fatty meats (e.g., beef heart), overfeeding of high-protein items.
 
Behaviour & Tankmates
Calm, slow, and gentle for their size
Do best with similarly peaceful large species:
Severums
Uarus
Geophagus/eartheaters
Large peaceful catfish (e.g., Brochis, Doradids, larger Cory species)
Avoid highly aggressive cichlids (Green Terrors, large Oscars, Midas, etc.)
Can be shy if kept with boisterous tankmates
 
Breeding
Open substrate spawners
Form strong monogamous pairs
Prefer flat stones, wide leaves, or pits
Eggs hatch in ~3 days
Fry become free-swimming around 7–8 days
Fry take baby brine shrimp, microworms, crushed fry food
Parents are usually good caretakers, but first-time spawns may be eaten.