Red Chocolate Cichlid – Hypselecara temporalis – (No Online Purchases)

Description

Red chocolate cichlid – Rio Ucalayi

The “Red Chocolate Cichlid” is likely a common name for a color variation or locality of the Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis). While the standard Chocolate Cichlid is known for its earthy browns, it can develop iridescent greens and reds, especially as it matures or during spawning. Some specific localities, like the Rio Ucayali Red Chocolate Cichlid, are particularly prized for their intense red and chocolate coloration.

General Characteristics:

Size: They are large cichlids, reaching up to 30 cm (12 inches) in length.

Temperament: Relatively peaceful for a large cichlid, but can become territorial, especially during breeding.

Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 8-10 years, and sometimes up to 12 years.

Appearance: They have a rounded, laterally compressed body. While named “chocolate,” their coloration can vary from rich browns to bronze, with stunning iridescent greens and reds, particularly on the face and fins in mature specimens. They often have a dark lateral line and can develop eye spots.

Aquarium Care & Requirements:

Tank Size: Due to their size, a minimum of 300 liters (75 gallons) is recommended for a single adult, and 450 liters (120 gallons) or more for a pair or community tank.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 24-28C (75-82F)

pH Level: 6.0-7.5 (soft to moderately hard water)

Hardness: 35-180 ppm (2-12 dGH)

Filtration: Strong and efficient filtration is crucial due to the waste they produce.

Substrate: Fine sand or soft gravel is preferred, as they may dig.

Aquarium Setup: Mimic their natural habitat with driftwood, caves, and smooth stones to provide hiding spots and create territories. Open swimming areas are also essential. While they may dig, some sturdy plants like Java Fern or Anubias tied to decor can be used. Dim, natural-style lighting is best.

Maintenance: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are essential to maintain water quality and keep nitrate levels low.

Diet:

Chocolate Cichlids are omnivores with a preference for protein-rich foods.

Offer a varied diet including:

High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.

Frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, krill, chopped prawns, and earthworms.

Occasional blanched vegetables like spinach or peas.

Feed 1-2 times daily in moderate quantities.

Tank Mates:

They are generally peaceful and can be housed with other peaceful to semi-aggressive South American species of similar size.

Suitable tank mates include: Severums, Uarus, Geophagus, Angelfish, Silver Dollars, larger tetras, and various catfish (e.g., Plecos, Corydoras).

Avoid very small fish (as they may become prey) or overly aggressive cichlids (like Jack Dempseys or Green Terrors) that could stress or harm them.

Breeding:

Chocolate Cichlids are substrate spawners and form monogamous pairs.

They will clean a flat surface (rock, slate, driftwood) or dig pits in the substrate to lay their eggs.

Both parents exhibit excellent parental care, guarding the eggs and fry diligently.

To encourage breeding, maintain pristine water conditions and provide suitable spawning sites.

Fry can be fed finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp once free-swimming.