The Chocolate Cichlid, also known as the Emerald Cichlid, is originally from the Amazon basin of South America and is now being captive bred. The coloration of these fish at maturity is mostly brown, interspersed with varying shades of red, orange, gold, green and yellow. However, like a chameleon, the coloration of Hypselecara temporalis can vary tremendously between individuals based on a variety of factors including age, diet, etc, as well as during courtship. The Chocolate Cichlid has a prominent black spot on the upper middle back section and another less pronounced spot on the peduncle, or base of the fish’s tail.

The Chocolate Cichlid requires a minimum aquarium size of 70 gallons or larger with a fine gravel bottom. Plenty of rocks, driftwood and even terra cotta flowerpots are recommended for hiding. The Chocolate Cichlid is a peaceful fish that is rarely territorial or aggressive, except towards conspecifics especially during spawning. It can easily be kept with other more peaceful cichlids such as Severums, Uarus and Jurpari.

Adult Chocolate Cichlids are easier to sex than juveniles. Mature Male Chocolate Cichlids will develop a frontal hump and their head and will be larger than females. Chocolate Cichlids are substrate spawners that will deposit their eggs in holes they have dug out. Both parents will watch over the eggs and newly hatched fry.

Chocolate Cichlids are omnivores, and will eat most prepared and frozen foods, including Brine Shrimp, Mysis Shrimp, Bloodworms, flake food and Cichlid pellets.

Approximate Purchase Size:2-1/4” to 2-3/4”