Fin's Fish Guide
The Chocolate cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The chocolate cichlid is a cichlid from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a deep, disc-shaped body that turns warm chocolate-brown to reddish in breeding dress, with a dark blotch on the flank. It shelters among roots and wood in slow, weedy water and feeds on insect larvae, small crustaceans and plant matter. It is a caring parental fish and appears in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chocolate cichlid?
The Chocolate cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Warm chocolate-brown spawning dress; caring parent fish
Where does the Chocolate cichlid live?
The Chocolate cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Amazon and Orinoco basins
How big does the Chocolate cichlid get?
The Chocolate cichlid grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Chocolate cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Chocolate cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Chocolate cichlid edible?
The Chocolate cichlid is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Chocolate cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chocolate cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.