CheckMyFishTankKeyhole Cichlid care
Cleithracara maronii · Freshwater · Beginner level care
A calm, slow cichlid with a keyhole shaped marking.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish. Pellets, frozen foods, flakes.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Keyhole Cichlid in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Keyhole Cichlid.
- Discus: Discus and Keyhole Cichlid need different water temperatures.
- Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Keyhole Cichlid.
- Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Keyhole Cichlid.
- Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey is aggressive and will bully peaceful Keyhole Cichlid.
- Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Keyhole Cichlid.
- Red Zebra Cichlid: Red Zebra Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Keyhole Cichlid.
- Cobalt Blue Zebra: Cobalt Blue Zebra is aggressive and will bully peaceful Keyhole Cichlid.
Questions
What size tank does a Keyhole Cichlid need?
At least 30 gallons for a group of 2. Adults grow to about 4 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Keyhole Cichlid like?
72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 5.5 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Keyhole Cichlid should I keep together?
Keep 2 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Keyhole Cichlid eat?
Pellets, frozen foods, flakes. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.