Telmatochromis (Temporalis) (Telmatochromis temporalis) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 40 gallons and 74-80°F. A small Tanganyikan rock dweller with a dark stripe along the body. It lives and breeds in caves and between rocks, and holds a firm territory, so stack rockwork and provide shells or caves for each female.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Telmatochromis temporalis |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika, East Africa |
| Adult size | 3.5-4 in |
| Minimum tank | 40 gallons |
| Temperature | 74-80°F |
| pH | 8.0-9.0 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, territorial around caves |
| Social behavior | Pair, or one male with several females |
| Swim level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore: small frozen foods, micro pellets, flake |
| Typical lifespan | 5-8 years |
Quick tips
- Stack rocks to make caves and sight breaks.
- Use hard, alkaline water.
- Do not keep with very small or shy fish.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi