Keyhole Cichlid

Cleithracara maronii

Keyhole Cichlid is a peaceful all-zone swimmer.

PeacefulAll-zone swimmerIntermediate

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Need help with Keyhole Cichlid?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm)
Aquarium size: 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: All-zone swimmer
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 2–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 2–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Keyhole Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses multiple areas of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Guyana Suriname French Guiana.

Natural habitat: Slow-moving creeks and tributaries with tannin-stained water, submerged roots and woody debris.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Aru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia picta Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 8.9" (≤ 22.5 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C)

FAQ

How large does Keyhole Cichlid get?

Keyhole Cichlid reaches ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm).

What aquarium size does Keyhole Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

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?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.