Chocolate cichlid

Able to jump over the surface

The chocolate cichlid is a fish that lives in freshwater rivers, with fairly fast flowing water. The fish hunts most of its food at the water surface. It may also jump above the surface in pursuit of small insects. The chocolate cichlid likes to have plenty of hiding places provided by rocks and plants that form networks of roots. The colour and pattern of the fish varies greatly from fry to adult, as it turns a distinct reddish-brown colour, and the male usually develops a hump on the head. The species is a common and popular aquarium fish.

Practising for mating

The chocolate cichlid is a large but peaceful species, unless it has eggs or fry. Then both females and males can be very aggressive in protecting their offspring. The male and female usually need practice to successfully reproduce, so it is common for them to spawn several times before they are able to produce surviving offspring. After spawning, the female lays her eggs on vertical rocks or leaves. Later, she moves the eggs to cavities in rocks and other hiding places.