CHOCOLATE CICHLID (Hypselecara temporalis) for Sale in Canada

The Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis) is a striking South American freshwater cichlid prized for its deep chocolate-brown coloration, reddish highlights, impressive size, and relatively calm personality compared with many other large cichlids. Native to the Amazon and surrounding South American waters, this species is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a large, intelligent, and visually impressive centerpiece fish.

With proper aquarium space, strong filtration, a varied diet, and stable water conditions, the Chocolate Cichlid can develop into a spectacular adult fish. At Monster Aquarium Canada, this species is particularly appealing to hobbyists who want a substantial South American cichlid without the highly aggressive temperament associated with some larger Central American species.

Species Overview

Scientific Name

Hypselecara temporalis

Common Names

Chocolate Cichlid, Chocolate Cichlid Fish, Emerald Cichlid, Chocolate Cichlid South American Cichlid.

Origin

The Chocolate Cichlid is native to South America, particularly the Amazon Basin and associated river systems of countries such as Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Bolivia.

It inhabits slow-moving rivers, tributaries, flooded forest environments, and areas containing submerged wood and vegetation.

Species Type

Hypselecara temporalis is a large South American freshwater cichlid belonging to the family Cichlidae.

Adult Size

Chocolate Cichlids can reach approximately 10–12 inches, with exceptional individuals potentially growing larger under excellent conditions.

Appearance and Coloration

The Chocolate Cichlid gets its common name from its attractive brown coloration.

Depending on age, mood, water conditions, and breeding status, adults can display:

• Chocolate-brown body coloration
• Dark brown to olive tones
• Reddish or orange highlights
• Greenish iridescence
• Dark vertical markings
• Red-orange coloration around the throat and lower body
• Attractive fin coloration

Juveniles are generally less dramatic than mature specimens. As the fish grows, its body becomes deeper and coloration can become significantly richer.

A healthy adult Chocolate Cichlid can be an impressive centerpiece in a large South American aquarium.

Why Choose a Chocolate Cichlid?

Key Features

• Large and impressive South American cichlid
• Beautiful chocolate-brown coloration
• Intelligent and interactive behaviour
• Generally more manageable temperament than many large aggressive cichlids
• Excellent centerpiece fish
• Suitable for large South American community aquariums
• Interesting parental behaviour
• Can develop excellent adult coloration
• Adaptable when properly acclimated

The Chocolate Cichlid is especially attractive to aquarists who want a large cichlid with personality without necessarily building an extremely aggressive predator aquarium.

Aquarium Setup

Because this species can reach around a foot in length, a large aquarium is essential.

A juvenile may temporarily be housed in a smaller aquarium, but the long-term setup should be planned around the adult fish.

For a mature specimen or pair, a 75-gallon aquarium should be considered a minimum starting point, with larger systems preferable, particularly for pairs or community setups.

Substrate

Fine sand or smooth gravel works well.

A natural sand substrate allows the fish to investigate the bottom without exposing it to sharp or abrasive material.

Decorations

Chocolate Cichlids appreciate an aquarium containing:

• Driftwood
• Large rocks
• Caves
• Root structures
• Hardy aquatic plants
• Open swimming areas

Driftwood and subdued décor can recreate the appearance of a South American blackwater or soft-water environment.

Avoid overcrowding the aquarium with decorations. Large cichlids need substantial open swimming space.

Filtration

Strong filtration is extremely important.

A large Chocolate Cichlid produces considerable waste, especially when fully grown. Use an oversized canister filter, sump, or combination filtration system capable of maintaining excellent biological and mechanical filtration.

Regular water changes should accompany filtration rather than relying on filtration alone.

Water Parameters

Aim for stable tropical freshwater conditions:

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: approximately 5.5–7.5
• Hardness: soft to moderately hard
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: preferably kept low

Chocolate Cichlids can adapt to a reasonable range of aquarium conditions, but stable, clean water is essential for long-term health.

Diet and Feeding

Chocolate Cichlids are omnivorous and benefit from a varied, nutritious diet.

Recommended Foods

A quality large-cichlid pellet can form the foundation of the diet, supplemented with:

• Frozen bloodworms
• Brine shrimp
• Mysis shrimp
• Krill
• Earthworms
• Insect-based foods
• High-quality flakes for juveniles
• Spirulina-based foods
• Occasional vegetable matter

Juveniles can be fed smaller portions more frequently, while adults can generally be fed once or twice daily.

Avoid overfeeding. Large cichlids can quickly contribute to declining water quality when excessive food is offered.

Behaviour and Temperament

Chocolate Cichlids are generally considered moderately peaceful for a large cichlid.

They can become territorial, particularly as they mature and especially when spawning, but they are often less relentlessly aggressive than species such as Red Devils, Dovii, or Red Terrors.

Their personality can vary considerably between individual fish.

A mature Chocolate Cichlid may recognize its keeper and become highly responsive during feeding.

Tank Mates

Chocolate Cichlids can potentially be maintained with other appropriately sized South American fish in a sufficiently large aquarium.

Potential tank mates may include similarly sized:

• Severum
• Geophagus
• Large peaceful to moderately assertive cichlids
• Large peaceful catfish
• Silver Dollars
• Larger peaceful characins

Avoid extremely small fish that could be swallowed as the Chocolate Cichlid grows.

Important Compatibility Consideration

Although Chocolate Cichlids are comparatively peaceful, they are still large cichlids. Small, delicate, or highly passive fish may not be appropriate long-term companions.

Always consider adult size rather than juvenile size when planning tank mates.

Group Size

Young Chocolate Cichlids can sometimes be raised together, but adult behaviour changes as fish mature.

For breeding projects, keeping a group of juveniles and allowing a compatible pair to form can be effective when the aquarium is large enough.

A mature pair may establish a territory and become significantly more defensive during spawning.

Growth and Adult Size

Chocolate Cichlids are substantial fish and can grow rapidly when provided with excellent nutrition and water quality.

Adults commonly reach around 10–12 inches.

Growth is influenced by:

• Genetics
• Diet
• Water quality
• Aquarium size
• Feeding frequency
• Stress levels

A juvenile Chocolate Cichlid should therefore be purchased with its eventual adult size in mind.

Male vs Female

Sexual differences can be subtle, especially in young fish.

As adults mature, males may develop somewhat larger bodies, more pronounced fin extensions, or stronger coloration. Females can have a slightly different body profile.

Reliable sex identification is generally easier with mature fish, particularly when a breeding pair has formed.

Breeding

Chocolate Cichlids are egg-laying cichlids capable of forming breeding pairs.

A compatible pair may select a flat rock, piece of driftwood, or another suitable surface for spawning.

During breeding:

• The pair may become territorial.
• Eggs are guarded by the parents.
• Both parents can participate in parental care.
• Fry may be defended after hatching.

Provide several potential spawning locations if attempting to breed this species.

A breeding pair may require substantially more territory than a non-breeding individual.

Chocolate Cichlid for Sale in Canada

Looking to buy a Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis) in Canada?

Monster Aquarium Canada offers specialty freshwater fish for Canadian aquarium keepers interested in large South American cichlids and unusual freshwater species.

Before purchasing, make sure your aquarium can accommodate the species’ eventual adult size. A Chocolate Cichlid may look small when purchased as a juvenile, but it can eventually become a substantial fish requiring a large aquarium and powerful filtration.

Canadian customers should also consider:

• Current livestock size
• Current inventory
• Shipping availability
• Aquarium requirements
• Adult size
• Compatibility with existing fish
• Provincial shipping restrictions where applicable

Livestock availability, size, coloration, and inventory can change. Please confirm current stock and shipping availability before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How big does a Chocolate Cichlid get?

A Chocolate Cichlid can reach approximately 10–12 inches as an adult, with some individuals potentially becoming larger.

2. Are Chocolate Cichlids aggressive?

They are generally considered moderately peaceful for their size, but they can become territorial, particularly during breeding. Individual temperament varies.

3. What size tank does a Chocolate Cichlid need?

Because of its potential adult size, a 75-gallon aquarium or larger should be considered for a mature specimen, with larger aquariums recommended for pairs or community setups.

4. What do Chocolate Cichlids eat?

They are omnivorous and can eat quality cichlid pellets along with frozen foods, shrimp, krill, worms, insects, and suitable vegetable-based foods.

5. Can Chocolate Cichlids breed in an aquarium?

Yes. Compatible pairs can spawn in aquariums and may demonstrate strong parental care of eggs and fry. They can also become more territorial during breeding.