Keyhole cichlid Small -Medium
🐟 Keyhole Cichlid Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cleithracara maronii |
| Common Name | Keyhole Cichlid |
| Origin | South America (Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname) |
| Adult Size | 10–12 cm (4–4.7 in) |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful, shy, semi-aggressive when breeding |
| Tank Level | Mid to bottom |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 75+ liters (20+ gallons) for a pair |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH) |
| Substrate | Sand or fine gravel |
| Decor | Rocks, caves, driftwood, hiding spots |
| Lighting | Low to moderate |
| Filtration | Gentle to moderate; avoid strong currents |
Tips:
-
Provide plenty of hiding spaces to reduce stress.
-
Peaceful by nature, but males can be territorial during breeding.
-
Best kept in pairs or small groups, particularly for breeding setups.
🔹 Diet
-
Type: Omnivorous
-
Best Foods: Flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and occasional vegetable matter.
-
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily; feed small portions.
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
-
Generally peaceful; good for community tanks.
-
Can become semi-aggressive when defending territory or fry.
-
Mid- to bottom-dwelling; appreciates subdued lighting and plants.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
-
Peaceful tetras and rasboras
-
Corydoras catfish
-
Dwarf cichlids (other non-aggressive species)
-
Small rainbowfish
⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With
-
Aggressive or large cichlids
-
Fin-nippers or predatory species
-
Fish that stress shy, bottom-dwelling fish
🐣 Breeding Info
-
Spawning Method: Cave spawner; pair will guard eggs and fry.
-
Parental Care: Both parents care for eggs and fry.
-
Fry Care: Feed infusoria or liquid fry food first, then baby brine shrimp.
🌿 Fun Facts
-
Named for the keyhole-shaped black spot on its side.
-
Extremely peaceful compared to most cichlids, making it ideal for community aquariums.
-
Popular among beginner and intermediate aquarists for its easygoing nature.
Original: $10.50
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Description
🐟 Keyhole Cichlid Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cleithracara maronii |
| Common Name | Keyhole Cichlid |
| Origin | South America (Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname) |
| Adult Size | 10–12 cm (4–4.7 in) |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful, shy, semi-aggressive when breeding |
| Tank Level | Mid to bottom |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 75+ liters (20+ gallons) for a pair |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH) |
| Substrate | Sand or fine gravel |
| Decor | Rocks, caves, driftwood, hiding spots |
| Lighting | Low to moderate |
| Filtration | Gentle to moderate; avoid strong currents |
Tips:
-
Provide plenty of hiding spaces to reduce stress.
-
Peaceful by nature, but males can be territorial during breeding.
-
Best kept in pairs or small groups, particularly for breeding setups.
🔹 Diet
-
Type: Omnivorous
-
Best Foods: Flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and occasional vegetable matter.
-
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily; feed small portions.
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
-
Generally peaceful; good for community tanks.
-
Can become semi-aggressive when defending territory or fry.
-
Mid- to bottom-dwelling; appreciates subdued lighting and plants.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
-
Peaceful tetras and rasboras
-
Corydoras catfish
-
Dwarf cichlids (other non-aggressive species)
-
Small rainbowfish
⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With
-
Aggressive or large cichlids
-
Fin-nippers or predatory species
-
Fish that stress shy, bottom-dwelling fish
🐣 Breeding Info
-
Spawning Method: Cave spawner; pair will guard eggs and fry.
-
Parental Care: Both parents care for eggs and fry.
-
Fry Care: Feed infusoria or liquid fry food first, then baby brine shrimp.
🌿 Fun Facts
-
Named for the keyhole-shaped black spot on its side.
-
Extremely peaceful compared to most cichlids, making it ideal for community aquariums.
-
Popular among beginner and intermediate aquarists for its easygoing nature.
