Keyhole cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
easy careOverview
The keyhole cichlid (Cleithracara maronii) is the shy, gentle exception among New-World cichlids. Named for the keyhole-shaped mark on its flank, it is a peaceful, retiring fish of around 10 cm that is far more likely to hide than to bully. That calm temperament, modest size and long life make it one of the very few truly community-safe cichlids — ideal for keepers who want cichlid behaviour without cichlid warfare.
Tank & water
A pair needs at least 110 litres (30 gallons), heavily planted with plenty of cover.
- Temperature: hold 22–26 °C with a reliable heater.
- Water: pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard — adaptable, but test with a kit.
- Filtration: a gentle, well-sized filter and regular water changes.
- Aquascape: dense plants, wood, leaf litter and shaded retreats. A nervous keyhole with nowhere to hide stays pale and stressed.
Feeding
Keyhole cichlids are omnivores with unfussy appetites. Feed a quality cichlid or community pellet as the staple, plus frozen or live bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp. Because they can be timid, make sure they are not outcompeted at feeding time by faster tankmates. Feed small amounts once or twice a day.
Tankmates
This is one cichlid you keep with peaceful fish for its own sake, not theirs. Ideal companions are calm community fish — tetras, rasboras, corydoras and other gentle species. Avoid nippy or boisterous tankmates that will harass a shy keyhole. A bonded pair coexists peacefully with a well-chosen community; check the stocking level with how many fish in an aquarium and watch for overstocking.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Housing them with boisterous or nippy fish that bully a timid cichlid
- Too little cover, leaving a nervous fish pale and hidden
- Letting faster tankmates take all the food at feeding time
- Chasing exact pH numbers instead of prioritising stable, clean water
For a slightly bolder but still peaceable cichlid, the Bolivian ram makes a good companion or alternative in the same calm community setup.
Keyhole cichlid — frequently asked questions
Are keyhole cichlids peaceful?
Yes — they are among the most peaceful and even timid of all cichlids. Keyholes are so shy they can be bullied by boisterous tankmates rather than the other way round. Even a breeding pair is far gentler than most cichlids, making this a genuine community-safe cichlid for a calm tank.
What size tank does a keyhole cichlid need?
At least 110 litres (30 gallons) for a pair, well planted with hiding spots. Keyholes stay small for a cichlid — around 10 cm — but they value cover and security. Dense planting, wood and shaded areas help this nervous fish settle and show its best colour.
Do keyhole cichlids need soft water?
They prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.5) reflecting their South American origins, but they are adaptable and tolerate moderately hard water. Stable, clean conditions matter more than chasing exact numbers. Test your source water first with a kit.
Found your model? Buy it at the right price.
UniverTrack tracks the real price of your aquarium gear across several retailers, spots fake discounts and warns you when it's genuinely the right moment to buy — with an AI assistant to guide you.