Keyhole cichlid (Cleithracara maronii)

Scientific name: Cleithracara maronii Steindachner, 1881

The Keyhole cichlid (Cleithracara maronii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–25°C (72–77°F). Native range: South America, Trinidad (impersistent), Orinoco River basin (delta), rivers from Barima River (Guyana) to Ouanary River (French Guiana).

Keyhole cichlid care at a glance

Temperature: 22–25°C (72–77°F)

Biology

Inhabits small creeks in the coastal zone, which have clear water and little current and is rich in decaying wood. Feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects. When faced with danger, this fearful species fix itself against a log adapting its color pattern to the substrate. Parents take care of the spawned eggs, numbering about 400, which are laid down on a flat stone.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Cleithracara maronii
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 7.1
Environment: Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: ? - 20 benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: Trinidad (impersistent), Orinoco River basin (delta), rivers from Barima River (Guyana) to Ouanary River (French Guiana).
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)