
In the wild, Chocolate Cichlids feed on a variety of items such as algae, small fish, crustaceans, and insects. In the aquarium, you can offer them a diet that consists of flakes, pellets, frozen food (bloodworms, brine shrimp), live food (earthworms, crickets), and plant matter.
Full Answer
What size tank does a chocolate cichlid need?
A tank size of at least 75 gallons is recommended for a Chocolate Cichlid. Some aquarists say you can get away with 55 gallons tank, but we disagree. A 55 gallons aquarium’s dimensions are 48″ x 13″ x 21″ (L x W x H).
What do chocolate cichlids eat?
In the wild, Chocolate Cichlids feed on a variety of items such as algae, small fish, crustaceans, and insects. In the aquarium, you can offer them a diet that consists of flakes, pellets, frozen food (bloodworms, brine shrimp), live food (earthworms, crickets), and plant matter.
Is the chocolate cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis) easy to care for?
In conclusion, the Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis) is a beautiful fish that is easy to care for and makes an excellent centerpiece for your community aquarium with its elegant pastel colors. With the right tank size, water parameters, and habitat setup, you can give your Chocolate Cichlid the home they deserve and watch them thrive!

What to feed chocolate cichlid?
They would quite readily gobble up fish flakes or pellets. However, to meet the protein requirements of a full grown chocolate cichlid, live and frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, white mosquito larvae, krill, Mysis, chopped prawns, and such foods can be given.
How big do chocolate cichlids get?
Remarks: Chocolate Cichlids (Hypselecara temporalis) are similar to Severums in that they are fairly peaceful for their rather large size. They can reach up to 12", and while reports have indicated that 55 gallons may be "enough," it is recommended that you keep them in no less than 75 gallons of water.
Are chocolate cichlids Hardy?
3:496:51Chocolate Cichlid | Care Guide & Species Profile - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHe is trying to take the spotlight. Right now but they are very good tank mates for chocolateMoreHe is trying to take the spotlight. Right now but they are very good tank mates for chocolate cichlid since chocolate cichlids are semi-aggressive.
Is plankton good for cichlids?
All the little fish, crustaceans and bugs eat a varied diet before wild Oscars would eat them. So for most larger predatory American Cichlids, the best way to feed would be a good staple diet HIKARI mixed in with frozen krill, Jumbo bloodworms, plankton or silversides.
How long do chocolate cichlids live for?
Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis): Care GuideCommon Name(s)Chocolate Cichlid, Emerald CichlidLifespan10 years or moreWater pH5.0-7.0Tank MatesOscar, Severum cichlid, Electric blue acara, Angelfish, GeophagusBreedingSubstrate spawner7 more rows
Are chocolate cichlids aggressive?
Chocolate Cichlids are mildly aggressive towards conspecifics and as such are best maintained singly or as a compatible pair. However, if a pair choose to spawn in a community setting, they will become much more aggressive towards the other fish, but this should not present too much of a problem in voluminous aquaria.
How big do true parrot cichlids get?
Average adult size: Up to 18 inches (45 cm), although 10 - 14 inches (25.4 - 35.6 cm) is much more likely. Average purchase size: Juveniles: 1 inch (2.5 cm), Medium: 2.8 - 3 inches (7 - 7.5 cm)
How big do gold Severums get?
Gold severum, even though they can get to 6” – 8” are a very gentle and peaceful fish – and they are cichlids, which makes them stand out even more.
What is the best cichlid food?
Reviews for the Best Cichlid FoodFluval Bug Bites Pellets. This is a great food for carnivorous/insectivorous fish. ... Omega One Super Color Cichlid Pellets. ... Zoo Med Spirulina 20. ... Repashy Super Green. ... Hikari Bio-Gold Plus Pellets. ... Northfin Food Veggie Formula. ... Omega One Veggie Rounds. ... New Life Spectrum Cichlid Formula.
Are bloodworms good for cichlids?
0:363:39Feeding Blood Worms, African Cichlid tank - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's looking good everybody's getting along. And they're gonna get a treat of bloodworms. Today nowMoreIt's looking good everybody's getting along. And they're gonna get a treat of bloodworms. Today now my choice of bloodworms is Omega 1 it's readily available to me. They provide good quality food.
What human food can cichlids eat?
Homemade food Lettuce, broccoli, peas, cucumber etc. All these green vegetables are great for Mbuna and their health, again taking the place of algae in their artificial environment. There are many ways you can feed them with this kind of food. Finely chopped and washed, or mixed and frozen into cubes.
How long does it take for cichlids to reach full size?
They will grow about 4 inches in the first year or so of life and not reach full size until about 5 years old. Despite their small size, their aggressive nature makes them best for 40-gallon tanks.
Can I put cichlids in a 10 gallon tank?
0:335:09African Cichlids in a 10 Gallon Tank?! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYes I do have African cichlids in 10 gallon. And 20 gallon tanks. But those are for the most partMoreYes I do have African cichlids in 10 gallon. And 20 gallon tanks. But those are for the most part baby fish they're fry or they're juveniles and they're very small and they're growing out in addition.
How many cichlids can I put in a 55 gallon tank?
A 55 gallon tank can house up to 15 African cichlids depending on species, maximum size and temperament.
How many cichlids can I put in a 20 gallon tank?
4:4911:13Top 5 African Cichlids for Small Aquariums (10 - 20 gallons)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo keep these fish in small colonies of six or more. And in minimum a 20 gallon aquarium. So you canMoreSo keep these fish in small colonies of six or more. And in minimum a 20 gallon aquarium. So you can't keep them in a 10 gallon.