Keyhole Cichlid

• ExerciseLow

  A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment8–10 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Swim bladder disorder

The Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii) comes from coastal rivers of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana and reaches about 9 to 11 cm. Its name comes from the dark blotch on the flank, which in a settled fish looks like an old-fashioned keyhole and which fades almost to nothing when the fish is relaxed and darkens when it is alarmed, making it a useful mood indicator. A pair needs 120 litres or more at 23-27C, pH 6.0 to 7.5 in soft to moderately hard water, with driftwood, planted cover and a soft substrate. Feed quality flake and pellets plus frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia. Its distinction is temperament: it is genuinely shy and non-aggressive, does not dig up plants, and even a breeding pair defends its spawn by hovering over it rather than by attacking the tank. That makes it the one cichlid that belongs in a peaceful community with tetras, rasboras and corydoras. The trade-off is that it hides if the tank is bright and bare, so give it shade and structure.

• How active is a Keyhole Cichlid?

  Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• How much maintenance does a Keyhole Cichlid need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Keyhole Cichlid need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Keyhole Cichlid a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Keyhole Cichlid live?

  8–10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Keyhole Cichlid?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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