Chocolate Cichlid

Native to the soft, acidic blackwater rivers and floodplains of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, Hypselecara temporalis is one of those cichlids that genuinely rewards patience.

Adults develop a deep, laterally compressed body with rich chocolate-brown to bronze base coloration, often overlaid with reddish or orange iridescence along the flanks and operculum. The eye is large and expressive, and breeding pairs develop a slight nuchal hump that adds to their commanding presence. Despite reaching 30 cm, this species carries itself with a kind of unhurried dignity that sets it apart from most large cichlids.

It prefers low to moderate flow, dimly lit tanks with plenty of driftwood, broad-leaved plants like Amazon swords or Anubias, and soft substrate for occasional digging. Water chemistry matters more here than with many cichlids: aim for soft, slightly acidic conditions with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0 and general hardness below 10 dGH. They're hardy once established, but skipping the soft water requirement often leads to lackluster color and reduced vitality.

Diet is straightforward for a cichlid this size. High-quality pellets form the staple, supplemented with earthworms, frozen foods like bloodworm or mussel, and occasional vegetable matter. They're not picky, but variety keeps them vibrant.

Aggression is generally low except during spawning, when pairs become noticeably territorial and will push tankmates around to defend their chosen site. If you want to see how experienced hobbyists have aquascaped for this species, browse the tank builds on Shimmerscape to find setups that balance the big footprint this fish demands with naturalistic style.