Keyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
Cichlidae
About
The keyhole cichlid is a genuinely peaceful, timid South American cichlid from the coastal creeks of the Orinoco delta and the Guianas, named for the keyhole-shaped dark blotch on its flank. Its calm, retiring nature makes it one of the very few cichlids that is safe in a peaceful community, where it forms a lasting monogamous pair and rarely disturbs plants or digs the substrate.
Care
Keep a bonded pair in a soft, slightly acidic, warm tank of at least 110 L with sand, driftwood and dense cover. Provide gentle dither fish to coax out this shy species; only mildly territorial while spawning.
Diet
Omnivorous forager taking small invertebrates and organic matter in the wild. Offer sinking pellets, flakes and regular frozen or live foods, making sure the timid pair gets its share.
Tankmate compatibility
Gets along with (29)
Possible with care (70)
Avoid (22)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.