Aquarium species profile

Chocolate Cichlid

Hypselecara temporalis · South America (Amazon basin — Brazil, Peru, Colombia)

Minimum tank75 gal

Adult size12"

Care levelModerate

TemperamentPeaceful

Temperature79–84°F

pH range5.5–7.5

Diet

Omnivore – large cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, earthworms

Compatible tank mates

Discus, large Angelfish, large peaceful tetras, Severum, large Plecos

Tank mates to avoid

Aggressive cichlids, small fish (may eat), boisterous tankmates

Care notes

Gentle giant. One of the few large cichlids suitable for a discus/angelfish community. Rich chocolate-brown coloration with iridescent blue-green sheen. Requires warm, soft, slightly acidic water similar to Discus. Biparental brood care.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

Check compatibility in Fishician