Keyhole Cichlid

About Keyhole Cichlid

A small, gentle cichlid with a pale tan body marked by a keyhole-shaped black blotch and a dark eye stripe. Calm and shy by cichlid standards, it pairs well with small tankmates and suits beginner aquarists.

7 things to know before welcoming a Keyhole Cichlid

1. 1Remarkably calm for a cichlid

   While many cichlids are known for their feisty temperament, the Keyhole Cichlid stands out as unusually peaceful and rarely aggressive toward other fish. This makes it a good fit for community tanks alongside small tropical fish.

2. 2Shy — needs hiding spots

   Along with its calm nature comes a shy streak — new arrivals often spend much of their time hiding until they settle in. Providing several hiding spots with driftwood, rocks, or plants helps them feel secure.

3. 3Grows to 7-11cm as an adult

   As an adult, the Keyhole Cichlid typically reaches about 7 to 11 cm in length. Choosing a tank with enough room for this eventual size from the start will keep your fish comfortable long-term.

4. 4Beginner-friendly, but not hands-off

   This species is considered beginner-friendly, but like any tropical fish it still needs stable water conditions. Regular filtration and water changes go a long way toward keeping it healthy.

5. 5The keyhole pattern varies

   The dark central blotch that gives this fish its name, along with the stripe through its eye, are its signature markings. The intensity and shape of these markings can vary between individuals and may shift slightly with growth or condition.

6. 6An easygoing omnivore

   Keyhole Cichlids are omnivorous and generally accept a wide range of foods, including standard prepared diets. Because they're on the timid side, they may hold back at feeding time, so it's worth watching to make sure each fish is getting enough to eat.

7. 7Tends to pair up

   Compatible individuals often form pairs and are known to choose flat rocks or driftwood as a favored spawning site. If you're keeping a pair, offering plenty of hiding spots helps them settle in comfortably.

Frequently asked questions about Keyhole Cichlid

Q.Can it be kept with other tropical fish?

A.The Keyhole Cichlid is unusually mild-mannered for a cichlid and isn't prone to aggression. It generally does well alongside similarly sized small tropical fish, though it may hide at first in a new tank, so having hiding spots ready helps it settle in.

Q.Is this a good fish for aquarium beginners?

A.Yes, it's generally considered beginner-friendly. That said, it's still sensitive to sudden changes in water temperature or quality, so basic care like proper filtration and regular water changes is important.

Q.How big does it get?

A.Adults typically reach about 7 to 11 cm in length. It's worth choosing a tank with enough room for this eventual size from the start.

Q.It's described as shy — will it get used to its surroundings?

A.Individual fish vary, but many gradually become more comfortable once they have a secure environment. Providing several hiding spots with driftwood or rocks and giving it time to adjust makes a big difference.

Q.Where does the name "Keyhole" come from?

A.It comes from the dark, keyhole-shaped blotch found at the center of the fish's pale tan body. A dark stripe running through the eye is another distinguishing feature.

Useful tools for Keyhole Cichlid care

Learn more about Keyhole Cichlid in the encyclopedia

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