Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii)

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Keyhole Cichlid

Cleithracara maronii5345.jpg
Keyhole Cichlid

Cleithracara maronii

114 Litres (30 US G.)

7.6-15.2cm (3-6 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.0 - 7.7

22.2-25°C (72 -77 °F)

3-20 °d

1:1 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods
Other (See article)

5-7 years

Family

Cichlidae

This animal is available captive bred





Additional names

Keyhole Cichlid

Additional scientific names

Acara maronii, Aequidens maronii


Sexing

Difficult to sex but males tend to be larger then females.


Tank compatibility

A generally peaceful Cichlid.


Diet

An omnivore which appreciates live food such as bloodworms. Will also take prepared foods such as Cichlid pellets.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice daily. Will eagerly come to your hand after a feeding pattern is established.


Environment specifics

Does not eat plants and does not burrow. Needs hiding places.


Behaviour

Sensitive to people outside the tank, especially movement above the height of the tank. Good-natured scrapping occurs among youth, with some being more dominant and some being more submissive. When very frightened, will flatten itself against a piece of wood and turn brown. To warn other fish or show aggressiveness, flares its dorsal fin. Normally laid-back casual swimming, but can be quite fast and can stop on a dime and 'hover' using it's pectoral fins as stabilizers. Eats tiny snails.


Identification

Cream coloured body, with one or two vertical black stripes near the tail which have a circle at the top. These bands look like keyholes for a "skeleton key". May have slight rainbow of colour on top edge of dorsal fin, and subtle colours elsewhere on the body.

Pictures

External links