Chocolate Cichlid

From €39.99

Ex Tax: €32.51

Stock: Generally In Stock
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your fish may not look identical to the image provided. Also note not all sizes or species may be available due to seasonality, Please call beforehand for up-to-date stock availability.
Model: CHOCOLATE CICHLID MATRIX

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Hypselecara temporalis (Chocolate Cichlid) – Care Guide & Description

The Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis) is a large, peaceful South American cichlid known for its rich brown coloration with golden, green, and red hues.

Native to the slow-moving rivers and floodplains of the Amazon Basin, this species is calm, intelligent, and forms strong pair bonds, making it a great choice for a well-planned cichlid community or species tank.

Despite its size, it is less aggressive than many other cichlids.

Aquarium Care & Requirements

Parameter	Recommended Range
Tank Size	Minimum 300 liters (75 gallons) for a pair; larger for community tanks
Temperature	24–28°C
pH Level	6.0–7.5
Water Hardness (dGH)	2–12 dGH (soft to moderately hard)
Carbonate Hardness (dKH)	1–6 dKH
Substrate	Fine sand or soft gravel
Filtration	Strong filtration with moderate flow (canister or sump recommended)
Oxygenation	Moderate to high (air stones and surface agitation beneficial)
Tank Setup	Driftwood, caves, and plants (though they may dig)
Lighting	Moderate to low (dim lighting enhances natural colors)
Diet	Omnivorous: high-quality pellets, frozen/live foods (earthworms, shrimp, krill), and some vegetable matter
Temperament	Peaceful to semi-aggressive; forms pair bonds
Tank Mates	Compatible with other peaceful cichlids (Severums, Uaru, Angelfish), large tetras, catfish (Plecos, Corydoras), and peaceful bichirs

Additional Care Tips

✅ Provide a spacious tank with ample swimming room and hiding spots.
✅ Best kept as a bonded pair or in a large community with compatible species.
✅ Avoid aggressive tank mates like Jack Dempseys or Green Terrors.
✅ Weekly water changes (30–50%) are essential to maintain water quality.
✅ Monitor diet to prevent obesity—avoid excessive high-fat foods.