Keyhole cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
11 cm
Adult size
100 L
Minimum volume
2
Minimum group
8 years
Lifespan
Water parameters
Understand these values- Genus
- Cleithracara
- Diet
- omnivore
- Social life
- pair
In the wild
Overview
The keyhole cichlid, described from the Maroni River in French Guiana, is recognised by the “keyhole” spot on its flanks: its genus name in fact comes from the Greek kleithron (“lock”) and the Guarani acará (cichlid). It is the only species in its genus; most fish sold come from commercial farms.
- Scientific name
- Cleithracara maronii (Steindachner, 1881)
- Classification
- Cichliformes › Cichlidae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Orinoco delta; formerly Trinidad
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
It lives in slow or stagnant blackwater creeks and tributaries at low altitude: brown, very soft and acidic water (pH 4 to 5), with a bottom of leaves, branches and roots.
Behaviour
Peaceful outside breeding and hardly predatory, it is one of the most peaceful cichlids. Shy, it feels safer with a group of small midwater characins. When frightened, it presses itself against a branch and changes colour. The pair cares for the eggs. An omnivore, it accepts most foods.
Sources:FishBase Seriously Fish GBIF · Base map: Natural Earth