Source: Wikimedia Commons
Keyhole Cichlid
BeginnerCleithracara maronii
A small cichlid whose English name comes from the keyhole-shaped dark blotch on its pale tan flank; a black bar through the eye is another marker. Exceptionally peaceful and shy for a cichlid, it suits community tanks with small fish.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
21〜28℃
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
7-11cm
Diet
Prepared foods, frozen bloodworm, Artemia, Daphnia
About
Cleithracara maronii is a small cichlid of Trinidad, the Orinoco delta and the rivers from the Barima in Guyana to the Ouanary in French Guiana. The dark blotch in the middle of its pale tan flank resembles a keyhole and gives the fish its English name, and a black bar runs through the eye. FishBase records a maximum of 7.1cm SL, while Seriously Fish gives 11cm. Seriously Fish recommends a 90 x 30cm tank (about 81 litres) at 21-28C, pH 4.0-7.5 and 2-15 dGH. Outside of breeding it shows almost no aggression and will not predate on anything larger than a few millimetres, which makes it a good companion for small characins. It is naturally shy and settles best with cover and floating plants to soften the light. A monogamous biparental substrate spawner, it is easily bred, may deposit around 300 eggs, and parents sometimes tend their young for several months.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Keyhole Cichlid
The Keyhole Cichlid lives 5-8 years.
Size of the Keyhole Cichlid
The Keyhole Cichlid grows to 7-11cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Keyhole Cichlid
The ideal temperature for the Keyhole Cichlid is 21〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
South America: Trinidad, the Orinoco delta, and rivers from the Barima in Guyana to the Ouanary in French Guiana
Lifespan
5-8 years
Care Specifications
- pH
- 4–7.5
- Hardness (GH)
- 2–15 dGH
- Water Temp.
- 21–28℃
- Min. Tank
- 81 L
PeacefulPairBreeding: Easy
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Cleithracara maronii Steindachner, 1881
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: LC)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Keyhole Cichlid Listings
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