Species profile
Chocolate Cichlid
Hypselecara temporalis
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
450 L minimum aquarium
22–30 cm adult size
Midwater
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Big, deep-bodied cichlid. Generally calm but needs large, well-filtered tanks.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
25–30 °C
pH
5–7
GH
Up to 15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
4
Large but usually comparatively easygoing South American cichlid. Space and sight breaks are still essential because adults and breeding pairs defend territories.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
450 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Hypselecara temporalis
Alternative names
Chocolate Cichlid, Emerald Cichlid
Native range
Amazon basin from Peru and Colombia through the Solimões-Amazon system in Brazil, also Amapá and the Oyapock basin.
Natural habitat
Slow-flowing, often turbid Amazonian water. Provide large wood/rock structure, open swimming space, warm clean water and subdued areas.
Diet & feeding
Broad omnivore; feed quality cichlid pellets with vegetable matter and varied frozen/live invertebrate foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males may become larger and develop a stronger frontal/nuchal hump; females are typically rounder in breeding condition.
Breeding
Biparental substrate spawner. FishBase records spawning in excavated substrate sites with both parents guarding eggs and young.