Chocolate Cichlid and Similar Species
Hypselecara temporalis
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Chocolate Cichlid. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Festivum Cichlid
Mesonauta festivus
Key differences: While also having a dark stripe through the eye and a spot on the flank, Mesonauta festivus has a much more elongated and compressed body shape, and typically grows to a smaller size (around 10-12 cm). Its dorsal and anal fins are also much more elongated and pointed.
Severum Cichlid
Heros severus
Key differences: Severums share a similar body shape and can have variable coloration, but typically lack the distinct, often ocellated, mid-lateral spot of H. temporalis. Severums often display more vertical barring and a more rounded head profile. Their coloration tends to be more greenish or yellowish.
Red Spot Gold Severum
Heros efasciatus
Key differences: Similar to H. severus, H. efasciatus lacks the distinct ocellated spot of H. temporalis. While it can have red spots, these are usually scattered and not a single, prominent mid-lateral marking. The overall body shape and finnage are also subtly different upon closer inspection.
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