Temporalis Cichlid (Telmatochromis temporalis)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Easy care. Freshwater.

Temporalis Cichlid

Quick facts

Scientific nameTelmatochromis temporalis
FamilyCichlidae
Also known asTemporalis, Shell Telmatochromis, Dwarf Temporalis
Care levelEasy
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentSemi Aggressive
DietOmnivore
Adult size4 in
Minimum tank size20 gallons
Water parametersTemp 76-82°F, pH 8.0-9.0, GH 10-20 dGH

Appearance

Stocky dark-bodied cichlid with a steep forehead; the dwarf form lives in empty shells while the normal form holds rock caves.

Difficulty and care for the Temporalis Cichlid

Easy

Origin and habitat

Lake Tanganyika, Africa

Keeper notes

Robust rock dweller; a dwarf shell-living form exists. Territorial but not destructive in a roomy tank.

Log Temporalis 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 Temporalis Cichlid alongside everything else in your reef.