Identification and taxonomy
The supplied identification is consistent with the keyhole cichlid. It is commonly known in aquarium literature as Aequidens maronii, while Cleithracara maronii is the widely used current combination. It belongs to the family Cichlidae. The species has a laterally compressed body, extended dorsal and anal fins, and a conspicuous dark marking on the rear half of the body that can resemble a keyhole. Color intensity varies with mood, stress, social status and breeding condition.
Distribution and habitat
Keyhole cichlids originate in slow-moving and quiet freshwater habitats of the northeastern part of South America, including drainage systems in Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. They are associated with forest streams, flooded margins, leaf litter, submerged wood and sheltered banks. Aquarium specimens benefit from subdued lighting, cover and gentle water movement that reflect these conditions.
Aquarium size and setup
A pair should have an aquarium of at least 100 litres, with a larger footprint preferred for a community setup. Use fine or smooth substrate, driftwood, rockwork and robust plants arranged to create visual barriers and sheltered territories. Leave open swimming space near the bottom and middle levels. Secure decorations because territorial fish may excavate around spawning sites. Efficient filtration, regular maintenance and ample oxygenation are important, but avoid very strong currents.
Water parameters
Maintain stable, clean water at 24–28 °C and a pH of approximately 5.5–7.5. Soft to moderately hard water is generally suitable, with low nitrate preferred. The species can adapt to a reasonable range when acclimated gradually, but sudden changes, accumulated organic waste and unstable chemistry should be avoided. Regular partial water changes are more important than pursuing an exact numerical target.
Behavior and temperament
This is one of the more peaceful medium-sized cichlids. It is often shy when newly introduced and appreciates groups of peaceful fish or a compatible bonded pair, although adults may become territorial around a chosen spawning surface. It may darken or pale in response to stress and social interactions. Provide hiding places and avoid overcrowding, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers and very small fish that could be harassed or eaten.
Diet
Offer a varied omnivorous diet based on a quality sinking cichlid pellet or granule, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and other suitably sized aquatic invertebrates. Small portions of vegetable matter can also be included. Feed modest amounts once or twice daily, remove uneaten food and avoid relying on fatty live foods as the staple diet.
Compatibility
Suitable companions include calm South American community fish of comparable size, peaceful tetras that are too large to be swallowed, small peaceful catfish and other non-aggressive bottom fish. Compatibility depends on aquarium footprint, cover and individual behavior. A breeding pair may defend a substantial area, so provide more space or separate them if other fish are repeatedly chased or injured.
Breeding
Keyhole cichlids are substrate spawners that commonly deposit eggs on a flat stone, piece of wood, broad leaf or aquarium surface. A compatible pair cleans the site, guards the eggs and usually tends the fry after hatching. Condition adults with varied, nutritious foods and maintain stable, clean, slightly acidic to neutral water. Dense cover helps fry survive, but community tanks may still result in losses. If raising a brood is important, use a separate breeding aquarium or remove potential predators.
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