Do Keyhole Cichlids uproot aquarium plants?

No, unlike many other cichlid species, they are very gentle and generally leave plants entirely alone, making them ideal residents for planted aquariums.

Why is my Keyhole Cichlid hiding all the time?

They are a naturally shy species. Ensure you have provided plenty of cover, somewhat dim lighting, and active but peaceful 'dither fish' (like small tetras) to help them realise the environment is safe.

Can I keep just one Keyhole Cichlid?

Yes, they can be kept singly and will do perfectly fine. However, they often exhibit more natural, confident behaviours when kept as a bonded pair or in a small group.

Are they safe to keep with freshwater shrimp?

While they are incredibly peaceful, they are still opportunistic omnivores. Adult, larger shrimp like Amano Shrimp are usually safe, but small dwarf shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp) may eventually be viewed as a snack.

How do you tell the difference between male and female Keyhole Cichlids?

Sexing is notoriously difficult, particularly in juveniles. Adult males generally grow slightly larger and may develop longer, more pointed trailing edges to their dorsal and anal fins than females.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Keyhole Cichlid

Cleithracara maronii

The Keyhole Cichlid is a remarkably peaceful and shy South American cichlid, famous for the distinct keyhole-shaped marking on its flanks.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 7 – 10 cm
for a pair: 100 litres+
Lifespan: 7 – 10 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: low to moderate
Preferred setup: Heavily planted with driftwood tangles, leaf litter, and plenty of shaded hiding spots.

About the Keyhole Cichlid

Native to the slow-moving rivers and creeks of the Guiana Shield and Orinoco basin, Cleithracara maronii is one of the most docile cichlids available in the aquarium hobby. Unlike their boisterous relatives, Keyhole Cichlids are exceptionally mild-mannered and often quite timid. They boast a muted but attractive colour palette of warm creams, tans, and browns, punctuated by a prominent black spot or 'keyhole' mark that gives them their common name.

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Where Keyhole Cichlid comes from

Native range

Orinoco River Basin, Guiana Shield

Countries / regions

Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago

Habitat

Slow-moving, heavily vegetated, and tannin-stained creeks, streams, and coastal rivers.

Primarily found in lower-elevation coastal river drainages in the Guianas and the Orinoco Delta.

Similar species

Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Festivum Cichlid
Mesonauta festivus
Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Rummy-nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Active, peaceful mid-water schooling fish that act as perfect 'dither fish' to encourage the shy cichlids out of hiding.
Great
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
Peaceful bottom dwellers that share the same water parameters and will not bother the cichlids.
Great
Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Occupy the very top of the water column, completely staying out of the Keyhole Cichlid's way while adding life to the surface.
Great
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Both inhabit the lower regions of the tank; while the Keyhole is peaceful, the Apistogramma may become territorial during breeding.
Compatible with caution
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Fast, boisterous, and prone to fin-nipping, they will cause the timid Keyhole Cichlid severe stress and force it to hide continuously.
Not recommended

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