Keyhole cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
The most peaceful and shy cichlid available in fishkeeping: its name comes from the keyhole-shaped dark mark on its flanks. Native to slow-moving South American waters, it is the exception that proves the rule about cichlid aggression — it does not dig, uproot plants or terrorize tankmates. Takes time to acclimate and show its best coloration (warm beige with yellow and black hues), preferring densely planted tanks with many shelters. Forms stable monogamous pairs and attentive, gentle parents that escort fry around the tank.
Température de l’eau
22 - 28 °C
Valeur du pH
6 - 7.5
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Fond et milieu
Taille adulte
10 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 100 L
Groupe minimal
>= 2
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
1 - 6 dKH
TDS
40 - 240 ppm
Conductivité
63 - 375 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Orinoco river basin (Venezuela, Trinidad) and coastal basins of the Guianas. Takes shelter in slow waters of forest streams with banks covered by lush vegetation.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii). Dwarf cichlid (often aggregated to the Acaras), reaches 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) at most. Very high and laterally flattened body, almost discoidal. Very small mouth.
Social Behavior: Famous for being the MOST PEACEFUL and timid cichlid existing in the aquarium hobby. Does not dig, does not destroy plants, does not attack tankmates (not even of its own species) and tends to hide at the slightest fright.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Very soft beige-cream background. The name (Keyhole) derives from the old keyhole-shaped black maculation it has in the middle of the flank. If frightened it fills with dark spots to camouflage. No dimorphism.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: 80-100 cm (32-40 inches) tank. Loves heavily planted aquariums, slightly amber water, dimmed lights or covered by floating plants and many dens made with twisted roots where it can retreat.
Diet and Feeding: Micro-predator and omnivore. Equipped with a tiny mouth, must be fed with very small caliber granular feed that sinks slowly, fine bloodworms and daphnia. Very slow to feed.
Water Quality: Prefers soft and neutral/sub-acidic waters. Extremely robust fish, but does not tolerate sudden thermal shocks or parameter fluctuations, which terrify it pushing it to bang against the glass.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: THE PERFECT COMMUNITY FISH. Coexists splendidly with any Tetra, Corydoras or Loricariid. Absolutely to be avoided restless tankmates (e.g. Tiger Barbs) or aggressive cichlids that would make it die of stress.
Aquarium Breeding: Forms very close-knit pairs. They lay dozens of eggs on smooth stones. Exceptional fact for cichlids, if the brood fails or they get scared, they do not attack the partner but try again in peace.
Risks and Diseases: It is almost never seen in shops because as a juvenile (2 cm) it is drab gray and frightened and does not attract attention. Its biggest threat is undernutrition caused by keeping it together with fish that are too fast and steal its food.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Orinoco river basin (Venezuela, Trinidad) and coastal basins of the Guianas. Takes shelter in slow waters of forest streams with banks covered by lush vegetation.
Origine
Océans tropicaux et récifsAmazonie, Orénoque et GuyanesAmérique centrale et Caraïbes
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- Keyhole Cichlids are peaceful, shy, and gentle fish that occupy the middle and lower levels of the aquarium. They can easily become stressed by loud noises or active tank activity, often changing color to a darker mottled pattern when frightened. They do not dig up plants or damage the aquascape.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- They are omnivorous cichlids that accept a wide range of foods. Provide high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and a variety of frozen foods such as bloodworms, mysis, and daphnia. They also benefit from occasional vegetable matter, such as blanched peas or zucchini.
- Espérance de vie
- 7-10 years
- Taille adulte
- 10 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Solitary
- While they do not strictly require a specific sex ratio to thrive, keeping them in a group until a natural pair forms is the most successful approach for breeding. Once a compatible male and female pair bonds, they are generally peaceful and monogamous. For community setups, a single individual or an established pair works best to prevent minor territorial squabbles. If attempting to house multiple pairs, a significantly larger tank with broken lines of sight is essential.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- They should be fed once or twice daily with small amounts that they can consume within a few minutes. Since they are slow, deliberate eaters, ensure that more active tankmates do not outcompete them for food. Regular, controlled feedings support their health and prevent water issues.
- Charge biologique
- Low to Medium
- Low-medium
- Courant
- Strong
- They prefer weak to moderate water flow, which replicates the slow-moving, shaded creeks and forest streams of their native South American habitat. Strong currents should be avoided as they can stress these timid fish and hinder their swimming. Provide plenty of calm zones with plants and driftwood.
- Risque de saut
- No
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- They are monogamous substrate spawners that form strong pair bonds and exhibit excellent parental care. They lay adhesive eggs on flat surfaces such as rocks, driftwood, or broad leaves, and both parents guard the nest and fry diligently. They are relatively easy to breed in a quiet, dedicated setup with soft, slightly acidic water.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Peaceful
- They are exceptionally peaceful cichlids that do well in community tanks with other docile species of similar size. Ideal tankmates include small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and dwarf gouramis. Avoid keeping them with aggressive, territorial, or fin-nipping fish that could easily intimidate them.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle/Bottom
- Keyhole cichlids are primarily mid-to-bottom level swimmers that heavily rely on the presence of structure and cover. They spend the majority of their time navigating through dense vegetation, driftwood roots, and the lower stratum of the aquarium. Although they will occasionally venture to the surface during feeding time, their natural inclination is to remain near the safety of the substrate. Open, brightly lit upper water columns are generally avoided by this shy species.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3,3 ± 0,39 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 1
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.03548, b = 3.11
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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