Chocolate cichlid - Hypselecara temporalis

Scientific name: Hypselecara temporalis

Common name: Chocolate cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 26 - 30 cm (10.24 - 11.81 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.4 - 7.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 6 - 16°N (107.14 - 285.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 25 - 29 °C (77 - 84.2°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Origin

The Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis) is native to South America, where it inhabits the slow-moving rivers, streams, and floodplain lakes of the Amazon River Basin. These waters are typically soft, slightly acidic, and shaded by dense vegetation. The natural habitat is filled with submerged roots, branches, and leaf litter, creating a rich environment for the cichlids to hide, forage, and breed. In the aquarium, it’s important to replicate these conditions to keep them healthy and stress-free.

Lifespan

With proper care, Chocolate Cichlids can live up to 12 years in captivity. Their lifespan can be influenced by various factors, including water quality, diet, tank size, and stress levels. Providing a stable and spacious environment with high water quality will help maximize their longevity.

Short Description

The Chocolate Cichlid is a peaceful and relatively large cichlid, reaching an impressive size of 26-30 cm (10.24-11.81 inches) in captivity. Known for their dark brown coloration, they can exhibit hints of green, red, and gold depending on their mood and environment. This species has a rounded body with a prominent forehead, giving them a distinctive look. Due to their size, they require a spacious tank of at least 200 liters (53 gallons) or larger. Unlike some other cichlids, they are relatively calm and can be housed with other peaceful species of similar size. Their peaceful temperament, however, does not mean they are suitable for beginners; Chocolate Cichlids require precise water conditions and a carefully maintained habitat.

General Care

Chocolate Cichlids are relatively peaceful, but they still require ample space to establish territories. A minimum tank size of 200 liters (53 gallons) is recommended for a single specimen, but a larger tank of 300 liters (80 gallons) or more is ideal if you plan to keep multiple individuals or other tankmates. Provide a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat and prevent food particles from getting trapped and decaying.

They thrive in a well-structured tank environment filled with hiding spots, such as rocks like slate, lava rock, and river stones, driftwood, and caves. Despite their size, Chocolate Cichlids are not known for rearranging tank décor, so adding live plants like Amazon Swords or Java Fern is possible. They prefer a tank setup that mimics their natural environment, with slow water flow, dim lighting, and ample cover.

Maintain the water temperature between 25-29°C (77-84.2°F) and a pH range of 6.4-7.3. The water hardness should be kept between 6-16°N (107.14 - 285.71 ppm). As they produce a significant amount of waste, a high-quality filtration system is necessary to maintain water quality. Perform regular water changes, ideally 20-30% weekly, to keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels in check.

Compatible Tankmates

Chocolate Cichlids are known for their peaceful temperament toward both their own species and other fish. However, they should be housed with other similarly sized, peaceful species to prevent bullying and stress. Suitable tankmates include:

• Severum Cichlid (Heros efasciatus)
• Uaru Cichlid (Uaru amphiacanthoides)
• Silver Dollar Fish (Metynnis hypsauchen)
• Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki)

Bottom dwellers like Lace Catfish can also be good tankmates, as Chocolate Cichlids generally stay in the middle levels of the tank and do not disturb other peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Always provide enough hiding places to reduce stress and territorial disputes.

Food and Feeding

Chocolate Cichlids can be somewhat finicky eaters when first introduced to an aquarium. Initially, they may prefer live foods like crickets or flies, but it is crucial to gradually introduce other food types to ensure a balanced diet. Use high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as their staple diet. Supplement with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and chopped earthworms. Incorporate vegetable matter, such as spinach, peas, or spirulina flakes, to enhance their coloration and overall health.

Feed them 2-3 times daily in small portions to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. Remove any uneaten food promptly to avoid contamination of the water.

Sexing

Sexing Chocolate Cichlids can be challenging. Generally, males are larger than females and may develop a nuchal hump on their forehead as they mature. During the breeding season, males may exhibit more intense coloration and territorial behavior, which can help differentiate them from females.

Breeding

Breeding Chocolate Cichlids is relatively straightforward but requires a well-prepared tank. Provide flat rocks or slate as spawning sites. Both parents will clean the selected area before laying eggs. The eggs are usually laid in a pit dug by the pair and will be guarded closely by both parents.

Chocolate Cichlids are attentive parents and may move the eggs to different rocks until they hatch, typically in 3-4 days. Once the fry become free-swimming, feed them newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food. Initially, keep the lighting dim and avoid startling the parents to prevent them from eating the eggs. As they become experienced breeders, they will be less likely to be startled and will feel more comfortable raising their young.

Health and Disease Prevention

Chocolate Cichlids are generally hardy but can be susceptible to common cichlid diseases like ich and fin rot if water quality is not maintained. Watch for signs of stress, such as loss of coloration or erratic swimming. To prevent diseases, maintain a regular cleaning schedule, monitor water parameters, and perform weekly water changes. A varied diet also helps bolster their immune system and overall health.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Cichlid is a stunning and peaceful addition to larger aquariums, ideal for aquarists who can meet their specific care needs. By providing a spacious tank, suitable tankmates, a varied diet, and stable water conditions, you can help these fascinating cichlids thrive and display their natural behaviors in captivity.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.