Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Chocolate Cichlid

Quick facts

Scientific nameHypselecara temporalis
FamilyCichlidae
Also known asEmerald Cichlid
Care levelModerate
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentSemi Aggressive
DietOmnivore
Adult size11 in
Minimum tank size75 gallons
Water parametersTemp 78-86°F, pH 5.5-7.2, GH 2-12 dGH

Appearance

Tall deep-bodied cichlid with a chocolate-brown to brick-red base, a dark mid-body blotch, and emerald-green flecking when in color.

Difficulty and care for the Chocolate Cichlid

Moderate

Origin and habitat

Amazon Basin, Brazil and Peru

Keeper notes

Peaceful and slow-moving for a large cichlid; territorial only when paired and breeding.

Log Chocolate Cichlid in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Chocolate Cichlid alongside everything else in your reef.