Mine spend a lot of time by the driftwood, either crusing around the area or stopped at the classic 45 dergee angle looking at the surface "waiting". They do have a color/pattern for every mood not unlike other cichlids but basicly if comfortable in their surroundings they stay relativly stable as far as coloration is concerned. I just received 3 new little 1.75 - 2" WC Peruvians (I didn't ask the collection point, I should) from TUIC on Tuesday (no pics yet still in QT). They are eating well, freeze dried blood worms and NLS .5mm pellets. They are somewhat recluvise when young/new. As a solo fish they will take longer to come out or there shell, however in a comminity tank they will be more comfortable. Add some areas of thick cover with somewhat subdued lighting to give them an added sense of security. Chocolates do prefer to feed from the surface but they will feed at all levels once they are comfortable. My current largest is about 5", I feed NLS Thera A+ 1mm pellets and Omega One veggie pellets. Hypselecara temporalis are among my favorite all time cichlids, bigish, beautifull and docile cichlids. They don't dig, don't destroy plants and mind their own business what more could you ask for. Keep the environment clean, keep the nitrates low, feed a healthy diet and they will be happy and beautiful. Although you could say that about any fish it's always worth repeating.
Notice how their coloration is perfectly matched to allow them to hide among drift wood tangles and vegatation waiting for somthing tasty to show up. Somtimes I'll be looking at the tank and don't notice it until it moves. Always amazing. Good luck with your fish, I'm looking foward to seeing some great pics in the future.
Notice how their coloration is perfectly matched to allow them to hide among drift wood tangles and vegatation waiting for somthing tasty to show up. Somtimes I'll be looking at the tank and don't notice it until it moves. Always amazing. Good luck with your fish, I'm looking foward to seeing some great pics in the future.
