Keyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii) is a peaceful freshwater fish that suits calm freshwater aquariums. Its adult size of up to 12.5 cm should still be matched with stable water and compatible fish.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- up to 12.5 cm
- Aquarium size
- 200 L or larger
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Temperature
- 22–26 °C
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- GH
- 2–18 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years
- Group behavior
- Often planned as a pair
Overview
Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii) is a freshwater aquarium fish for aquariums where the layout leaves enough swimming room and the water stays stable.
Use these values as planning checks, then make sure the aquarium still has room for behavior, group needs, and calm community fish.
Care requirements
With a Intermediate care level, Keyhole Cichlid is best for aquarists who can keep water quality steady and plan compatibility before adding the fish.
With a lifespan of up to 10 years, this is a fish to plan for long term rather than an impulse addition.
Aquarium size and space needs
An aquarium of 200 L or larger can be a reasonable starting point, but it should not be read as permission to overstock.
At up to 12.5 cm, Keyhole Cichlid stays small, but it still needs room to move, feed, and avoid constant competition.
Water parameters
The temperature range for this fish is 22 to 26 °C, which fits many tropical freshwater aquariums. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.
The pH range for this fish is 5.5 to 7.5. That points to acidic to neutral water, but stability is more important than sudden corrections.
The GH range for this fish is 2 to 18 dGH. That gives some flexibility, but sudden changes are usually more stressful than a stable value that is slightly imperfect.
Temperament and compatibility
As a peaceful fish, Keyhole Cichlid is best kept with calm species that will not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Keyhole Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Natural habitat and origin
This profile currently lists the origin as Guyana Suriname French Guiana. Treat this as a broad regional note rather than a complete habitat description.
Before adding this fish
Use this checklist before treating the profile as a match for an existing aquarium.
- Plan for an aquarium of 200 L or larger.
- Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.
- Keep pH stable within the listed range instead of making sudden corrections.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Offer a varied diet that matches this species.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Keyhole Cichlid get?
Keyhole Cichlid reaches up to 12.5 cm according to this profile. It stays relatively small, but aquarium planning should still account for swimming room.
What aquarium size does Keyhole Cichlid need?
Plan for an aquarium of 200 L or larger. Treat this as a baseline, because fish also need suitable swimming room and compatible fish.
Is Keyhole Cichlid peaceful?
Yes. Keyhole Cichlid is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
What temperature is suitable for Keyhole Cichlid?
The temperature range for this fish is 22 to 26 °C. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs and avoid sudden temperature swings.