chocolate and chilli in cichlid care

[maplesyd]

I'm picking up a new tank tomorrow and it comes with a "chocolate chilli cichlid" - about 9" long. Never kept cichlids before and to be honest, I'm not really interested in starting now. The plan is to use the tank for breeding other species, so the cichlid will be up for sale as soon as I can. Problem is, I have no idea how much it's worth or how to care for it in the meantime. Can anyone give me some advice on keeping it healthy until I can find a new home for it?

[rivynx]

I think you might be mistaken about the name - I'm pretty sure there's no such thing as a "chocolate chilli cichlid". I've got a chocolate cichlid, also known as a Smaragdikirjoahven, and it's massive.

If you're not planning on keeping it long-term, you should be fine. I'm actually looking to rehome mine because it's been nipping at my golden spot pleco, although it's been fine with all my other fish - just a heads up that it might see small fish like tetras as food. I've been feeding mine on a diet of Tetra cichlid sticks and frozen prawns.

[maplesyd]

Thanks for the info, rivynx. I've been searching online for ages and couldn't find anything that matches what the guy said, but the chocolate cichlid is pretty close - it's just got a bit more blue to it. We're bringing some big containers to take some tank water home, so fingers crossed it'll be alright for a few days till I can sort out someone to take it.