Keyhole cichlid (Cleithracara maronii )

Origin: South America: Rio Orinoco basin, and rivers of Guyana
Size: 4-5"
ph: 6.8-8.0
temp: 74-83F
tank size- 30Gal or bigger.
Tank setup: sand is best. Like many cichlids they like to dig. They can be shy if they don't have enough cover. Live plants with rocks and wood are good. These guys do great in planted tanks.

Tank mates: peaceful dwarf cichlids like rams. Angles, rainbow cichlids, blue acara, and other peacful/ semi aggressive mid size or smaller fish. Tetras, Cory cats, and plecos are all good tank mates. They do well with other keyholes.

Temperment: fairly peacful. They don't like to fit. are safe with smaller fish. Mine comes right up to the glass to see me. Can get a little aggressive when spawning but not bad. They are smart little fish with lots or personality to make up for lack of color.

Breeding: keep water clean. Make sure to have flat rocks for them to spawn on. If you have a pair they should spawn often for you. Both care for the eggs.

Sexing: can be tricky males are larger. Will have much longer fins very pointed.

Here is my 2 yr male.