At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Large, deep-bodied cichlid
A big, deep-bodied cichlid; mature males develop a clear hump on the forehead.1
Personality what they are like
A calm, easygoing giant that can share a big tank with other large, non-aggressive fish.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A relaxed swimmer of slow, silty rivers that likes cover and space to move.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep the water warm and clean with good filtration and regular partial changes in a roomy tank.2
Home where they are happiest
Warm, soft to medium water of about 25 to 30 C and pH 5.0 to 7.0 (FishBase to 7.5); a tank base of at least 120 x 45 cm (about 240 litres) for one adult or a pair.213
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore; in the wild it eats invertebrates, algae and plant matter, and in aquaria it takes live, frozen and dried foods.2
Company who they like around
Good with large cyprinids, characins, catfish and plecos, and with other South American cichlids in a very large tank.2
The story where it all began
Albert Günther described the species in 1862. It comes from slow, sediment-rich rivers of the Amazon basin and is traded commercially as an aquarium fish.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 19 November 2020)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Günther in 1862; family Cichlidae1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chocolate Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseevery 2 weeks
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Chocolate Cichlid?
Feed your Chocolate Cichlid once a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily, offering only what it can eat in a few minutes. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.2 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Chocolate Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
It is an omnivore that enjoys live, frozen and dried foods like invertebrates and algae. Never feed it anything that could harm it, such as large, sharp or spoiled items; always ask your vet for a safe list.2
How much space does a Chocolate Cichlid need?
It needs a tank base of at least 120 x 45 cm, which is about 240 litres, for one adult or a pair. This gives it room to swim and stay comfortable.213
What temperature, light or water does a Chocolate Cichlid need?
Keep the water warm at 25 to 30°C with a pH of 5.0 to 7.0 (up to 7.5 per FishBase) and soft to medium hardness. Provide gentle lighting and good filtration, as it comes from slow, silty rivers.213
How often should I clean a Chocolate Cichlid's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly water change of about 30 to 50% and a weekly water test, plus a filter rinse every two weeks. This keeps the water clean and healthy. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Chocolate Cichlid live with others?
Yes, it is a calm giant that can share a big tank with other large, non-aggressive fish like big cyprinids, characins, catfish and plecos, or other South American cichlids in a very large tank.2
How long does a Chocolate Cichlid live?
Lifespan varies with care and environment. For a reliable estimate, ask your vet or a good breeder who knows this species well.
Can I handle a Chocolate Cichlid?
It is best not to handle this fish, as it can stress them and damage their slime coat. Enjoy watching their calm swimming instead.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase: Hypselecara temporalis fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, IUCN, biology
- Seriously Fish: Hypselecara temporalis seriouslyfish.comused for habitat, size, tank size, water, diet, behaviour
- Wikipedia: Hypselecara temporalis en.wikipedia.orgused for size, distribution, temperature
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.