Keyhole Cichlid
Also known as: Cleithracara maronii
The Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii) is a small, peaceful South American cichlid named for the distinctive dark, keyhole-shaped marking on its flank. The Keyhole Cichlid originates from Amazon River basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, inhabiting slow-moving, vegetated blackwater streams and tributaries with soft, acidic water and leaf litter substrates., reaches Adult size: 8–10 cm in captivity, typically lives 5–8 years under optimal aquarium conditions., and is kept at 24–28°C (75–82°F).. Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Species at a glance
- Origin
- Amazon River basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, inhabiting slow-moving, vegetated blackwater streams and tributaries with soft, acidic water and leaf litter substrates.
- Adult size
- Adult size: 8–10 cm (3.1–3.9 inches) total length.
- Life span
- 5–8 years under optimal aquarium conditions.
- Temperament
- Peaceful and shy; best kept in pairs or small groups; non-aggressive toward tankmates but may become territorial during breeding.
- Tank size
- Minimum 75 liters (20 gallons) for a pair; 115 liters (30 gallons) recommended for a small group or community setup.
- Water temp
- 24–28°C (75–82°F).
- pH range
- pH 5.5–7.0 (prefers soft, acidic water; tolerates up to 7.5 if acclimated slowly).
- Diet
- Omnivorous; feeds on small invertebrates, detritus, and plant matter in the wild; in captivity, accept high-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- Other names
- Cleithracara maronii
About the Keyhole Cichlid
The Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii) is a small, peaceful South American cichlid named for the distinctive dark, keyhole-shaped marking on its flank. It exhibits a subdued, olive-brown body coloration with iridescent highlights and elongated dorsal and anal fins in males. Unlike many aggressive cichlids, it is notably shy and prefers to hide among driftwood, plants, and leaf litter. It thrives in well-planted, dimly lit tanks that mimic its natural blackwater habitat.
Lifespan and health
With proper care, Keyhole Cichlids commonly live 5–8 years, with exceptional individuals reaching up to 10 years in pristine, low-stress environments; longevity is strongly correlated with stable water quality, low nitrate levels (<20 ppm), and a diet rich in variety and protein. Common health issues include bacterial infections (e.g., fin rot or ulcers) from poor water quality, parasitic infestations like Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) if stressed or introduced via new fish, and nutritional deficiencies leading to faded coloration or lethargy—preventable through regular water testing, quarantine of new arrivals, and a balanced diet supplemented with vitamin-rich foods.
Overview
The Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii) is a small, peaceful South American cichlid named for the distinctive dark, keyhole-shaped marking on its flank. It exhibits a subdued, olive-brown body coloration with iridescent highlights and elongated dorsal and anal fins in males. Unlike many aggressive cichlids, it is notably shy and prefers to hide among driftwood, plants, and leaf litter. It thrives in well-planted, dimly lit tanks that mimic its natural blackwater habitat.
Care and tank setup
Tank setup should include a soft sand or fine gravel substrate, dense planting with species like Amazon swords, Java fern, and floating plants to diffuse light, and ample driftwood and leaf litter (e.g., Indian almond leaves) to create hiding spots and mimic blackwater conditions. Filtration should be gentle—sponge or low-flow canister filters are ideal to avoid strong currents; water movement should be minimal. Maintain stable parameters with weekly 20–25% water changes using dechlorinated, softened water (aim for GH < 8 dGH, KH < 4 dKH). Feed 2–3 times daily with small portions of varied diet: high-quality cichlid flakes or micro pellets as staple, supplemented 3–4 times weekly with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia; avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality degradation. Tankmates must be peaceful and similarly sized: ideal companions include small tetras (e.g., neon, ember, or rummy-nose), Corydoras catfish, dwarf gouramis, and peaceful rasboras; avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species like tiger barbs or large cichlids.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Keyhole Cichlid, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.