Species profile
Keyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
Peaceful
Easy care
120 L minimum aquarium
8–12.5 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Gentle, shy South American cichlid suited to calm communities. It benefits from mature water, subdued cover and tankmates that will not outcompete or intimidate it.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
Up to 18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1.5
Juveniles may be sociable, while adults form pairs. Even breeding fish are relatively restrained for cichlids, but a pair still needs a defensible area.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
120 L
Minimum footprint
90 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Cleithracara maronii
Alternative names
Keyhole Acara
Native range
Lower Orinoco drainage and Guiana Shield drainages of northern South America.
Natural habitat
Clear, low-current forest creeks with decaying wood and leaf litter. Recreate with wood, plants, shaded areas and gentle flow.
Diet & feeding
Feed quality small cichlid pellets/granules with varied frozen or live invertebrate foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are generally larger and may develop longer dorsal and anal fin extensions; differences are subtle outside mature pairs.
Breeding
Biparental open-substrate spawner. Pairs clean a flat stone or similar surface, lay several hundred eggs and guard the brood.