Cleithracara maronii
Named for the black keyhole-shaped mark on each flank. Famously the most peaceful South American cichlid, will live with tetras, rasboras, and corydoras without bullying. Pair-bonds for life and both parents fan eggs.
Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii) reaches 10–12 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 150 L. Native to Northern South America (Orinoco, Guianas), it lives in the mid to bottom water column with a peaceful (one of the most peaceful cichlids) temperament. Aim for 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 5–18 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 8–12 years with good care. Keep keyhole cichlid in groups of 2+, pair schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Cichlid pellet, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, occasional veg. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Adults only.
Care at a glance
Named for the black keyhole-shaped mark on each flank. Famously the most peaceful South American cichlid, will live with tetras, rasboras, and corydoras without bullying. Pair-bonds for life and both parents fan eggs.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether keyhole cichlid fits in your tank.
Mid to bottom
No
Keep as a bonded pair
Cichlidae
Omnivore
Cichlid pellet, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, occasional veg.
8–12 yrs
Easy (substrate spawner, both parents tend)
Northern South America (Orinoco, Guianas)
Northern South America (Orinoco, Guianas)
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii) needs a minimum tank of 150 L. They live in the mid to bottom water column and should be kept in groups of 2+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 5–18 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Adults only. Plant safety: Yes.
Keyhole Cichlid are omnivore. Cichlid pellet, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, occasional veg.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: easy (substrate spawner, both parents tend).
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 8–12 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
