Keyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
Family: Cichlidae • Origin: South America
The Keyhole Cichlid is possibly the most peaceful cichlid in existence. Named for the keyhole-shaped marking on its side. Very shy.
Min Tank
20 gal
Max Size
4"
Temperature
72-79°F
pH
6-7.5
Lifespan
8 years
School Size
Solo OK
Swim Level
middle
Hardness
3-12 dGH
peacefulbeginneromnivore
Care Tips
- • Most peaceful cichlid available
- • Extremely shy — needs hiding spots
- • Named for keyhole marking
- • Can be kept with community fish
- • Rarely aggressive even when breeding
Feeding: Pellets, frozen foods, flakes. Not picky.
Compatibility Notes: The most peaceful cichlid species. Can be kept with any community fish. Very shy.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 20 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 30 gallons
- Swimming Level
- middle
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–79°F
- pH Range
- 6–7.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 3–12
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- slow
The most peaceful cichlid species. Can be kept with any community fish. Very shy.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 8 years
Ideal For
20 galloncommunityplanted tank
Compatible Tank Mates
View all →
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
70-81°FpH 6-710+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.5"
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
73-81°FpH 4.5-6.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+2"
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
73-84°FpH 5.5-75+ gal
peacefulschooling 8+0.8"
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
75-84°FpH 5.5-720+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+2.5"
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
73-81°FpH 5.5-7.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.6"
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
72-82°FpH 6-7.520+ gal
semi-aggressiveschooling 6+1.75"
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Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
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German Blue Ram
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Electric Blue Acara
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