A large, deep-bodied South American cichlid famous for its 'gentle giant' temperament. They undergo significant color changes as they mature, eventually displaying rich chocolate browns, greens, and vibrant reds. Though peaceful for their size, they are still cichlids and will consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouths.
Chocolate Cichlid At a Glance
Chocolate Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Chocolate Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Chocolate Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Chocolate Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Chocolate Cichlid Water Parameters
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Chocolate Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Chocolate Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult (Male / Standard)
Fully grown adults. Mature males often develop a noticeable nuchal hump on their forehead and achieve a larger size. Requires excellent filtration due to high waste output.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Full Grown, Male
Female
Females are typically slightly smaller and less deep-bodied than males, lacking the pronounced nuchal hump.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young Chocolate Cichlids are usually sold around 5-7cm and lack the intense red/brown coloration of adults. They grow steadily and must be upgraded to a large aquarium as they mature.
Differs in 6 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Juvenile
Chocolate Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Chocolate Cichlid, scientifically known as Hypselecara temporalis, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 30 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Chocolate Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 25°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 5–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Chocolate Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Adult (Male / Standard), Female, and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Chocolate Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Chocolate Cichlid, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Chocolate Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Chocolate Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Chocolate Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Chocolate Cichlid.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cichlid
How big does Chocolate Cichlid get?
Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 30 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Chocolate Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Chocolate Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Chocolate Cichlid need?
Chocolate Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 25–30°C, a pH between 5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Chocolate Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Chocolate Cichlid is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Chocolate Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Chocolate Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Chocolate Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Chocolate Cichlid benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding), leaf litter/blackwater, and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Chocolate Cichlid
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Chocolate Cichlid based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
False Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus macrocephalus
Ideal Tank MatesBumblebee Catfish (South American)
Microglanis iheringi
Ideal Tank MatesAngelicus Pleco L073
Hypancistrus sp. L073
Ideal Tank MatesAlligator Pleco
Pterygoplichthys scrophus
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesBetta Imbellis
Betta imbellis
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Chocolate Cichlid
These plants pair well with Chocolate Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Chocolate Cichlid
Freshwater Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
The most iconic South American Cichlid, known for its distinct arrowhead shape and majestic fins. While domestic strains are hardy, they remain cichlids: they are semi-aggressive predators that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras). They form loose shoals as juveniles but pair off and become territorial as they mature. Height is more important than length for this species.
Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus
A large, incredibly colorful, and highly aggressive South American cichlid. Known for their striking metallic green/blue scales and vibrant orange or white tail margins. As their name suggests, they are highly territorial and require very careful tankmate selection, usually only coexisting with other large, robust cichlids or armored catfish in very large tanks.
Black Belt Cichlid
Vieja maculicauda
A large, powerful, and strikingly colored Central American cichlid known for the distinctive vertical black band across its midsection and vivid red flushing on its throat and tail. They are highly territorial, aggressive, and notorious for re-arranging the aquarium. They are primarily herbivorous in the wild but will eat almost anything, including smaller fish. They cannot be kept in planted tanks.
Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
A stunning and relatively peaceful South American cichlid. While they possess classic cichlid traits—such as digging and territoriality during breeding—they are generally far more tolerant of tank mates than their larger cousins (like the Green Terror). They will, however, eagerly consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras).
Apistogramma Orange-tail
Apistogramma cf. eunotus "Orange-tail"
A beautiful South American dwarf cichlid known for its personality and stunning coloration. They are micropredators that naturally inhabit slow-moving tributaries with sandy bottoms and leaf litter. While generally peaceful towards non-cichlid tank mates (like tetras and pencilfish), they are highly territorial among their own kind and will readily hunt dwarf shrimp.
Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus)
Tropheus duboisi
An iconic Lake Tanganyika cichlid famous for its dramatic life-stage color change. Juveniles are jet black with brilliant white polka-dots, while adults develop a blue head and a distinctive yellow or white vertical band across a dark body. They are highly aggressive toward their own kind and must be kept in large colonies (10+) to disperse aggression. They are strict herbivores that require a specialized diet to avoid fatal digestive issues.