Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis) Care Guide | Buy Online at RobsAquatics.com

Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis): The Peaceful Giant of South American Aquariums

 

Introduction

The Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis) is one of the most underrated and elegant large cichlids in the aquarium hobby. Combining a calm temperament with a velvety dark coloration and a subtle iridescent glow, this South American species is a favorite among aquarists looking for a peaceful, majestic centerpiece fish.

Unlike the hyper-aggressive Central American cichlids, Chocolate Cichlids offer size and beauty without the drama. They are intelligent, personable, and highly adaptable, making them ideal for community-style setups with other peaceful South American fish.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn everything about the Chocolate Cichlid’s care, tank setup, feeding, behavior, and why RobsAquatics.com is your best source for healthy, ethically sourced specimens.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Chocolate Cichlid?

  2. Origins and Natural Habitat

  3. Scientific Classification and Variants

  4. Appearance and Color Morphs

  5. Size, Growth Rate, and Lifespan

  6. Behavior and Temperament

  7. Ideal Tank Setup

  8. Water Parameters and Filtration

  9. Substrate, Lighting, and Decor

  10. Feeding and Diet

  11. Chocolate Cichlid Tank Mates

  12. Breeding in Captivity

  13. Health and Disease Prevention

  14. Chocolate Cichlid vs. Other Large Cichlids

  15. Why They’re Popular Among Hobbyists

  16. Where to Buy Chocolate Cichlids Online

  17. Why Choose RobsAquatics.com

  18. Final Thoughts

1. What Is a Chocolate Cichlid?

The Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis) is a large, peaceful South American cichlid known for its rich chocolate brown coloration, subtle iridescence, and manageable temperament. It is native to Amazonian river systems and has become increasingly popular in the aquarium hobby for its mellow disposition and beautiful coloration.

Common names:

  • Chocolate Cichlid

  • Emerald Cichlid (due to its greenish hues)

  • Velvet Cichlid

2. Origins and Natural Habitat

Native to:

  • Amazon River Basin

  • Orinoco River system

  • Blackwater streams and floodplain lakes in Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador

Preferred environment:

  • Warm, soft, acidic waters

  • Sandy or muddy bottoms

  • Submerged roots and overhanging vegetation

  • Areas with low to moderate current

3. Scientific Classification and Variants

  • Scientific Name: Hypselecara temporalis

  • Family: Cichlidae

  • Order: Perciformes

  • Maximum Size: 8–10 inches

  • Temperament: Peaceful for its size

  • Color Variants: Standard brown, reddish hue, or green shimmer depending on region and lighting

4. Appearance and Color Morphs

Chocolate Cichlids display:

  • Deep brown to mahogany bodies

  • Subtle green, blue, or purple iridescence

  • Rounded head and nuchal hump in mature males

  • Red or orange eye ring

  • Long, flowing dorsal and anal fins

Their coloration intensifies with age and good diet. In breeding mode, their colors darken dramatically, and the belly may turn black.

5. Size, Growth Rate, and Lifespan

  • Juvenile size: 2–3 inches

  • Adult size: 8–10 inches (rarely up to 12” in massive tanks)

  • Growth rate: Moderate

  • Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care

They don’t grow as fast as peacock bass or red devils, but their growth is steady and healthy with a quality diet.

6. Behavior and Temperament

Chocolate Cichlids are gentle giants compared to most cichlids.

Traits include:

  • Slow, deliberate swimmers

  • Curious and interactive with owners

  • Minimal aggression except during breeding

  • Can be bullied by more aggressive cichlids

Their intelligence and calm nature make them ideal for peaceful South American biotope setups.

7. Ideal Tank Setup

Recommended tank size:

  • Minimum: 75 gallons for a pair

  • Ideal: 90–125 gallons for community setups

Setup tips:

  • Provide caves or large driftwood for hiding

  • Use floating plants to diffuse light

  • Keep open swimming space

  • Use dim lighting or tannin-rich water for natural coloration

A 6-foot tank allows for tank mates and natural behavior to shine.

8. Water Parameters and Filtration

Chocolate Cichlids prefer:

  • Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

  • pH: 6.5–7.2 (soft to slightly acidic)

  • Hardness: 2–10 dGH

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

  • Nitrate: < 30 ppm

Use:

  • Canister filter or sump

  • Moderate water flow

  • Regular 30–40% weekly water changes

Stability is more important than perfection. Avoid drastic changes.

9. Substrate, Lighting, and Decor

  • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel

  • Decor: Driftwood, rocks, large leaf litter

  • Lighting: Low to moderate—high light can wash out their natural colors

  • Plants: Hardy varieties (Java Fern, Anubias) can work if not rooted

They enjoy areas with cover and shade but still need room to move freely.

10. Feeding and Diet

Chocolate Cichlids are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet.

Staple foods:

  • High-quality pellets (Northfin, Hikari Cichlid Gold)

  • Spirulina and algae-based wafers

  • Frozen bloodworms, krill, brine shrimp

  • Occasional chopped earthworms or tilapia

Feeding tips:

  • Feed twice daily

  • Remove uneaten food

  • Supplement with vitamins or garlic-based additives for immune health

Their coloration improves drastically with the right nutrition.

11. Chocolate Cichlid Tank Mates

Because they’re peaceful, tank mates should match that energy.

Best tank mates:

  • Severums

  • Uarus

  • Geophagus species

  • Festivums

  • Large tetras (Congo, Buenos Aires)

  • Peaceful catfish (Lima shovelnose, Raphael catfish, Plecos)

Avoid:

  • Aggressive Central American cichlids (Red Devil, Dovii, Jaguar)

  • Tiny fish (risk of being eaten)

  • Hyperactive or fin-nipping species

12. Breeding in Captivity

Chocolate Cichlids are relatively easy to breed if kept as a bonded pair.

Breeding behavior:

  • Spawning occurs on flat rocks or logs

  • Parents guard eggs and fry

  • Fry hatch in 3–4 days and are free-swimming in about a week

To encourage breeding:

  • Raise water temperature to 80–82°F

  • Feed high-protein foods

  • Offer flat surfaces for egg laying

Once paired, they typically remain monogamous.

13. Health and Disease Prevention

Chocolate Cichlids are hardy but prone to:

  • Hole-in-the-head (HITH)

  • Bloating from fatty foods

  • Skin flukes or parasites if wild-caught

Prevent issues by:

  • Regular water changes

  • Quarantining new fish

  • Offering balanced, high-fiber diets

  • Using carbon or Purigen to remove toxins

A stress-free, clean environment ensures long-term health.

14. Chocolate Cichlid vs. Other Large Cichlids

Species Max Size Temperament Aggression Best For
Chocolate Cichlid 10” Peaceful Low Community setups
Green Terror 12” Aggressive High Single-species
Oscar 14” Semi-docile Medium Solo tanks
Severum 8” Peaceful Low South American

Chocolate Cichlids fill the sweet spot—large and beautiful without being bullies.

15. Why They’re Popular Among Hobbyists

  • Unique velvety brown coloration

  • Peaceful behavior

  • Compatibility with community setups

  • Manageable adult size

  • Intelligence and interactive personality

They’re a great step up from beginner cichlids and often become the favorite fish in the tank.

16. Where to Buy Chocolate Cichlids Online

When purchasing online, choose sellers that:

  • Offer quarantined, healthy specimens

  • Ship with care and guarantees

  • Understand cichlid care

That’s why seasoned hobbyists rely on RobsAquatics.com.

17. Why Choose RobsAquatics.com

âś… Hand-selected Chocolate Cichlids from trusted breeders
âś… Quarantined and feeding before shipping
âś… Live arrival guarantee
âś… Expert support from real aquarists
âś… Ethically sourced and well-acclimated specimens
âś… Trusted by cichlid keepers nationwide

👉 Order your Chocolate Cichlid today at RobsAquatics.com and experience the elegance of this gentle Amazonian giant.

18. Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a large, peaceful, and visually stunning cichlid, the Chocolate Cichlid is one of the best choices in the hobby. Its calm nature, interactive behavior, and unique appearance make it a standout in any well-planned aquarium.

Whether you’re building a South American biotope or a peaceful community tank, the Chocolate Cichlid will shine—literally and figuratively.

👉 Shop now at RobsAquatics.com for the healthiest Chocolate Cichlids delivered right to your door.

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