Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Keyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii (Steindachner, 1881)
Also called Acara maronii, Aequidens maronii
From Northern South America: coastal rivers from the Barima River in Guyana to French Guiana, plus the Orinoco delta in Venezuela and Trinidad.123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Oval-bodied small cichlid
A rounded, tan cichlid with a dark mark high on each flank shaped like a keyhole; males grow larger with longer dorsal and anal fins.32
Personality what they are like
Peaceful and rather timid; it avoids conflict and only gets protective when breeding.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A slow forager that moves around plants and wood near the bottom.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Give plants, wood and hiding places, and add small schooling fish to help it feel secure.23
Home where they are happiest
Tropical water of about 21 to 28 C, pH roughly 4 to 8 and up to 15-20 dGH, in a tank with a base of at least 90 x 30 cm.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivorous; quality dried foods plus live or frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia.21
Company who they like around
Young fish like company; adults form monogamous pairs and suit a community of peaceful fish.23
The story where it all began
Franz Steindachner described it in 1881 from the Maroni River in French Guiana, first as Acara maronii and later as Aequidens maronii, before it got its own genus. Most aquarium fish today are farmed.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its genus name means 'lock acara', from the Greek word for lock plus acara, a Guarani word for cichlids, inspired by the keyhole marking.2
- 2
When startled it turns blotchy and presses itself against wood or rock to blend in.3
- 3
It is the only species in its genus.3
- 4
Both parents care for the eggs and young, sometimes for months.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 28 October 2020)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Steindachner in 1881 as Acara maronii; the only species in the genus Cleithracara3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Keyhole Cichlid. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Keyhole Cichlid?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This matches their slow foraging nature. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact portions.21 Furry Diary plan
What does a Keyhole Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
They are omnivores and enjoy quality dried foods along with live or frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Never feed them anything not meant for fish, and avoid overfeeding. For specific foods to avoid, consult a vet.21
How much space does a Keyhole Cichlid need?
They need a tank with a base of at least 90 x 30 cm, which gives them room to explore near the bottom. This space helps them feel secure, especially with plants and wood.21
What temperature, light or water does a Keyhole Cichlid need?
Keep tropical water between 21 and 28°C, with a pH of roughly 4 to 8 and hardness up to 15-20 dGH. Provide gentle lighting and plenty of hiding spots. Check water conditions daily as part of care.21 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Keyhole Cichlid's home?
Change about 25% of the water weekly, and clean the glass at the same time. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. This keeps their environment healthy. Furry Diary plan
Can a Keyhole Cichlid live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful and timid, so they do well with other calm fish. Young fish enjoy company, and adults form pairs. Add small schooling fish to help them feel secure.23
How long does a Keyhole Cichlid live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For a specific estimate, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Keyhole Cichlid?
It's best not to handle them, as they are delicate and easily stressed. Use a net only when necessary, and keep handling to a minimum to protect their health.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Cleithracara maronii fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, IUCN, biology
- Seriously Fish: Cleithracara maronii seriouslyfish.comused for size, water parameters, tank size, diet, behaviour, etymology, history
- Wikipedia: Keyhole cichlid en.wikipedia.orgused for taxonomy, appearance, camouflage behaviour, breeding
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.