All fish / Cichlidae

Keyhole Cichlid

Cleithracara maronii

Also known as keyhole cichlid, keyhole, aequidens maronii, maroni cichlid, key hole cichlid, キーホール・シクリッド, 钥匙洞, 钥匙孔慈鲷

A small, chunky cichlid in creamy tan to yellowish brown, with a dark bar through the eye and a dark blotch on the flank that often looks like a keyhole. It is one of the gentlest cichlids, so it is popular for planted community tanks with other calm, similarly sized fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

A pair, or a small group in larger tanks

Diet

Omnivore: quality cichlid pellets and flakes, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia, some vegetable matter

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northeastern South America: Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Venezuela (Orinoco delta) and Trinidad

Breeding

Pairs lay eggs on a flat stone or leaf and both parents guard the eggs and fry. Breeding is fairly easy in soft, slightly acidic water, though young pairs may eat their first few clutches.

Good to know

It is shy and does best with dense planting, hiding places and peaceful tankmates; boisterous fish will stress it. It can change colour quickly when frightened, so do not mistake this for illness.