Chocolate Cichlid 5cm

Chocolate Cichlid
 

Chocolate cichlids make for a fantastic alternative to oscars, severum, and some of the more conventional larger South American cichlid species. These fish reach around 30 cm and have a beautiful, natural assortment of colours, a relatively docile temperament, and a fun personality which makes them a must-have for mixed South American cichlid tanks. 

Chocolate cichlids have a classic oval body shape and are laterally compressed. They do however get quite bulky as adults which makes them great showpiece fish. Chocolate cichlids are underrated for the colours they develop as adults, you would think they would be quite brown based on their name however they have a stunning assortment of greens, reds, and earthy tones. As juveniles these fish have a light brown base colour however as they mature, the body becomes a jade green colour with a dark lateral line. They can also develop eye spots in the middle of their body and the tail area. They also have a beautiful terracotta red that covers their face and fins which contrasts well against the green. 

Breeding chocolate cichlids in the home aquarium is relatively easy. It’s usually best to get a group of 6 or more fish to see if they naturally pair off, males tend to develop a light nuchal hump and have longer, pointed fins than females. They will find a smooth surface to lay eggs on and then proceed to guard them until they are free swimming. If you have experience breeding species like convict cichlids or severum then chocolate cichlids will be a breeze. 

Tank Recommendations for your Chocolate Cichlid

Chocolate cichlids will reach around 1 foot long when fully grown. Because of this, it is best to keep them in a tank with a minimum volume of 450 liters. These fish can also be kept solitary or in a group as long as there is enough space and territorial breaks. They will however eat plants so the ideal tank setup would be to have a sandy substrate, river stones, caves, and driftwood for cover.
 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The chocolate cichlids are relatively peaceful with territorial aggression. They can be kept with fish smaller in size than them however the general rule to follow is to avoid any fish smaller than the mouth size of the chocolate cichlid.
 

Usually Compatible

Festivum, Oscar, silver sharks, Brochis corydoras, leporinus, blue Acara, silver dollars, and other larger species.  

Sometimes Compatible

Black widow tetras, Congo tetras, Kribensis, and smaller species. Though the chocolate cichlid may not eat them in one go, there is a chance these fish will be pestered by the cichlid. 

Rarely Compatible

Discus, cardinal tetras, checkerboard cichlids, and other smaller or soft-natured fish. 

Feeding your Chocolate Cichlid

Chocolate cichlids are incredibly easy to feed. They take to a wide range of foods and should have a varied diet for optimal health. Giving them an assortment of flakes, pellets, and frozen and live foods will not only make them thrive but also show off amazing colours. Because of their most top-dwelling nature, they should be given foods that readily float for them to eat easily.