Chocolate Cichlid

About

The chocolate cichlid (Hypselecara coryphaenoides) is one of two species in its genus, and considerably less common in the hobby than its close relative H. temporalis. It originates from the soft, tea-colored blackwater rivers of the Amazon basin, the Negro, Trombetas, Tapajós, and several others, as well as tributaries of the upper Orinoco, so it genuinely needs soft, acidic conditions to thrive long-term. For a cichlid that can push nearly nine inches, it carries itself with surprising restraint most of the time, generally leaving tankmates alone and coexisting reasonably well with other peaceful cichlids from similar habitats, larger tetras, and medium-sized plecos. That calm demeanor changes entirely when a pair forms and decides to breed. The fish darken dramatically, develop an intense orange band along the dorsal surface, and excavate a pit that can span a couple of feet across. Then aggressively defend every inch of it. Breeding groups are best started as a half-dozen juveniles allowed to pair naturally. Distinguishing this species from H. temporalis comes down mainly to body shape, this one is notably more elongate, and the position of the dark flank blotch, which sits on or above the lateral line and often bleeds into the dorsal fin. It is an intermediate-level fish that rewards keepers willing to meet its water chemistry requirements.